PSNI wrongly shared personal data with foreign police

The Information Commissioner's Office is investigating the breach

The personal information of 152 people was wrongly shared with foreign law enforcement agencies by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) confirmed it was investigating the breach.

The incident was first reported by the Belfast Telegraph, which said the data was shared with police in the United States.

Police say changes have been made in response to the breach.

The people affected have received apologies from the PSNI's senior information risk officer.

Ch Supt Sam Donaldson said: "We have recently been investigating a data breach within our Extradition Unit.

"This is an issue we take extremely seriously and as part of our investigation we made a self-referral to the office of the Police Ombudsman and informed the Information Commissioner's Office."

Ch Supt Donaldson said in some cases the information sharing may have influenced the decision making of US law enforcement in relation to allowing people to travel to the country.

Phoenix Law, which is representing some of those affected, said its clients were from a range of backgrounds and many did not have any criminal record that would warrant the PSNI retaining their personal data.

"None of the individuals, who we are instructed on behalf of, have attempted to travel to States," the law firm said.

"In addition, they have not been provided with any details as to why information was being collated by the PSNI about them and subsequently a third party law enforcement agency."