Security News > 2024 > May > UK data watchdog wants six figures from N Ireland cops after 2023 data leak

Following a data leak that brought "Tangible fear of threat to life", the UK's data protection watchdog says it intends to fine the Police Service of Northern Ireland £750,000.

The August exposure of cops' data affected 9,483 officers and was described by Commissioner Pete O'Doherty of the City of London Police as "The most significant data breach that has ever occurred in the history of UK policing" in an official review.

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office fine today follows consideration from the information commissioner John Edwards, who will take into account any PSNI responses before issuing a final decision.

He believes large fines alone aren't an effective punishment as they are in the public sector, and therefore the ICO errs on the side of smaller fines in return for greater engagement with the data watchdog itself and greater investment into data protection.

The deputy chief constable pointed to PSNI offering £500 in compensation to each officer whose data was caught up in the breach, which was claimed by 90 percent of officers.

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https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2024/05/23/uks_ico_wants_six_figures/