Government unable to calculate Afghan data breach cost, watchdog says

The National Audit Office (NAO) has reported that the UK government is unable to accurately calculate the cost of the Afghan data breach incident. The NAO states that it has not been provided with sufficient information to have confidence in the £850 million figure cited for the relocation scheme. The data breach occurred when sensitive information about Afghans who had worked with British forces was inadvertently shared in an email, potentially exposing them to the risk of retaliation from the Taliban. The government's response, including the relocation scheme, has been the subject of scrutiny and concern over its effectiveness and transparency. The NAO's findings highlight the need for the government to improve its data management and reporting practices, especially in sensitive situations with significant financial and human implications. The report underscores the importance of accountability and transparency in the government's handling of such critical incidents.