The first test cases in an action against the Police Service of Northern Ireland following a major data breach are to get under way at Belfast High Court.<\/p>\n
The breach happened in August 2023 when a spreadsheet released as part of a freedom of information request held hidden data with the initials, surname, rank and role of PSNI officers and staff.<\/p>\n
Police later said the information had got into the hands of dissident republicans.<\/p>\n
In the aftermath of the leak, some officers chose to move house and change daily routines.<\/p>\n
A group action is being taken by police officers and staff over the breach.<\/p>\n
Belfast legal firm Edwards Solicitors, which represents the majority of plaintiffs in the action, said the outcomes for the test cases will provide guidance for thousands of other cases.<\/p>\n
It said that even though the PSNI accepted liability for the data breach, and a business case has been approved to make a \u201cuniversal offer\u201d to those bringing claims, the employer has said it cannot make the offer as it is not affordable within its current funding.<\/p>\n
Partner and head of litigation at Edwards Solicitors, Philip Gordon, said: \u201cThe outcome of these initial cases in the High Court will provide some direction and guidance for the parties.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt remains hugely disappointing that the PSNI have not resolved their budget issues to allow for a universal offer to be made, but these test cases are the next step in pursuing compensation for our clients who had their personal details revealed in the 2023 data breach.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere will be no one-size-fits-all approach and compensation levels will depend on individual circumstances, but these cases should give the parties some guidance as to what to expect.\u201d<\/p>\n
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