A sexual abuse survivor has described her ordeal as her personal information may have been made public online.
A data breach affecting “around 400 people” at the London Mayor’s office is currently being investigated, Sky News has revealed.
Among them were complaints about wrongful access to the capital’s police services through the official website.
The woman, who did not want to be named, told Sky News: “I just shudder to think about what could have happened and the shocking circumstances.”
“I still don’t have the answers I need.”
The center of the inquiry is London Mayor’s Office online form hosted by the Greater London Authority website.
A spokesman for the mayor’s Office of Sheriff and Crime confirmed the data was accessed for four months.
The spokesperson told Sky News: “A manual error allowed visitors to technically temporarily gain access to content submitted on two online forms between November 2022 and February 2023.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan
“There is no evidence that this information was maliciously accessed or misused by anyone.”
The sexual assault survivor who was notified about her involvement this week told Sky News she was appalled by the situation.
“I was told to call their helpline but the conversation left me with more questions than answers.
“All they can tell me is that people can click a button on their site to see what other people (including me) have submitted.
“When I asked them to tell me exactly what information was available, they said they would look into it and let me know.”
“It’s not good enough, I don’t even live in London.”
She added: “I’m half confused and half scared.”
“It really worries me that there are so many malicious people online, it makes me feel really exposed.”
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A spokesman for the Greater London Authority (GLA) said: “We have carried out a full and thorough investigation following the discovery of the data security breach.
“The GLA deeply regrets any concern this incident may have raised and would like to reassure all members of the public that the GLA website www.London.gov.uk is safe and that the GLA and MOPAC take the protection of all personal data very seriously.”
Spokesman for the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan “It is clear that this incident should never have happened, which is why a full and thorough investigation has been launched with the support of independent experts.
“Council is providing support to anyone who may have been affected and is doing everything it can to ensure this issue caused by human error does not recur.”
The Information Commissioner’s Office confirmed to Sky News that they are currently investigating the incident.