Election letter data breach lands Cabinet Office a reprimand

The Cabinet Office has been rapped by the Island's information commissioner after putting personal data at risk in election letters sent to households.

In January, it sent out forms asking people to confirm personal information including full names and dates of birth - but addressed the letters to "the occupier", meaning many were opened by strangers.

Dr Alexandra Delaney-Battacharya said the office holds some of the most sensitive personal data which it's essential to protect.

She issued a formal reprimand, but added she was pleased the office had reported the breach and taken steps to improve its data protection compliance.