Stockton Council apologises after email exposes hundreds of addresses

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 28 Oct, 12:30 · Archive

Stockton Council failed to use the Bcc function on a mass email, revealing approximately 250 email addresses to recipients.

Stockton Council sent the email to residents on Monday 26 October at 12.35pm regarding changes to consultation events. The council failed to use the Bcc function, meaning the email addresses of individuals on its mailing list were visible to other recipients. A follow-up email was sent shortly afterwards, in which the council attributed the mistake to 'human error'.

One of the email recipients said that approximately 250 people's email addresses had been revealed. The council described the original email as a 'Local Plan consultation update'. Recipients were told to delete the initial email and refrain from using the 'Reply all' feature.

The council said it recognises the importance of protecting personal information and understands 'the concern that this incident may cause'. The authority told affected residents that it is reviewing its procedures and implementing additional protocols to prevent a recurrence.

One recipient asked the council to confirm whether the incident had been formally logged as a personal data breach and referred to the data protection officer. The council confirmed the incident had been referred to its data protection officer for investigation and said it was being managed in accordance with data protection procedures.

The Information Commission's Office, which regulates data safety in the UK, said it had not yet heard from Stockton Council. A spokesperson for the watchdog said that organisations must notify the ICO within 72 hours of becoming aware of a personal data breach, unless it does not pose a risk to people's rights and freedoms. If an organisation decides a breach does not need to be reported, it should keep its own record and be able to explain why if necessary.

How it is being reported

• Council offers 'unreserved apologies' after email blunder exposes addressesA local authority has offered affected residents its “sincere and unreserved apologies”, following an email blunder.The Northern Echo · 28 Oct, 12:00
• Council data blunder reveals email addressesStockton Council fails to utilise an email's Bcc function, revealing details of its mailing list.BBC Tees · 27 Oct, 18:06
• Stockton Council offers 'sincere and unreserved apologies' following email blunderA council spokesperson said: 'We are aware of an incident which has taken place and it has been referred to the council’s data protection officer for further investigation'TeessideLive · 27 Oct, 16:14

In this story: Stockton Council · Information Commission's Office · Stockton

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