The PSNI Data Breach occurred when personal details of thousands of police officers and staff in Northern Ireland were accidentally published online in August 2023.

This breach included the release of sensitive information such as names, ranks, home addresses, work locations, contact details as well as job roles and specific responsibilities within the PSNI. Although the details were taken down shortly after, the information was available to the public for several hours which poses a significant risk.

The breach happened due to human error when a PSNI employee mistakenly included personal data in response to a freedom of information request. PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne commented on the incident, saying he is “deeply sorry for this unprecedented and industrial scale data breach”.

The PSNI Data Breach affects thousands of police officers and staff across Northern Ireland, many of whom hold sensitive positions, including undercover operations. With their personal details free to the public and “dissident republican claims that they are in possession of data”, the situation has raised serious concerns for the future safety of these individuals.

Victims could potentially face the following risks as a result of the PSNI Data Breach:

• Personal Risk – The exposure of officer identities could lead to harassment, threats, or even violence, particularly from criminal or dissident groups.
• Family Safety – Many officers are concerned about the safety of their families, as personal details were leaked to the public.
• Emotional and Psychological Impact – The breach has caused significant distress, fear and anxiety for those involved, many of whom rely on anonymity for their security.
• Professional Repercussions – Officers may face reputational damage and potential career impacts due to the sensitive nature of their work being exposed.
• Public Trust – The wider public may lose confidence in the PSNI’s ability to secure sensitive data, affecting the trust between law enforcement and the community.

If you’ve been affected by the PSNI Data Breach, making a compensation claim is crucial to holding those responsible accountable and recovering damages for the distress, risk to safety, and potential financial losses you’ve endured. Under data protection laws here in Northern Ireland, those impacted have the right to seek compensation for breaches of their personal information, especially when it leads to harm or distress.

Eligibility criteria for making a PSNI Data Breach Claim in Northern Ireland:

• You were directly affected by the breach (e.g., your personal data was exposed).
• You have suffered emotional distress, anxiety, or harm as a result of the breach.
• You are a PSNI officer, staff member, or have a direct connection to the PSNI.
• The breach has impacted your safety, privacy, or financial wellbeing.

If you’re still unsure of your claim eligibility, contact us today for a free consultation.

The amount of compensation awarded for a PSNI data breach claim depends on various factors, including the severity of the breach, the level of distress caused and any financial losses or safety concerns experienced by the victim. Compensation is typically awarded under general damages, covering emotional distress and anxiety, and special damages, which address financial losses or expenses incurred due to the breach.

You could claim PSNI data breach compensation for:

• Emotional distress and anxiety
• Loss of privacy
• Impact on personal safety
• Reputational damage
• Financial losses or costs related to identity theft
• Costs for increased security measures

For an accurate estimate of your potential compensation, contact our PSNI Data Breach Solicitors today.