Ofcom Investigates Ex-Employee TV Data Breach

Ofcom has confirmed it is investigating an attempt by a former employee to provide his new employer, a major television company, sensitive information about other broadcasters.

The Guardian says the data breach could be the largest in the regulator’s history and came to light when the broadcaster told Ofcom about the incident.

Ofcom data breach

It is reported that the information contains as much as six years of data from television companies with an Ofcom licence and could have allowed the broadcaster in question to gain a competitive advantage however it did not exploit the data before it informed Ofcom.

“On 26 February we became aware of an incident involving the misuse of third-party data by a former Ofcom employee,” Ofcom told TechWeekEurope. “This was a breach of the former employee’s statutory duty under the Communications Act and a breach of the contract with Ofcom.

“Ofcom takes the protection of data extremely seriously, and we are very disappointed that a former employee has chosen to act in this manner. The extent of the disclosure was limited and has been contained, and we have taken urgent steps to inform all parties.”

As no personal data was involved, the matter will not be looked in to by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

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