A computer previously owned by
Southend Borough Council containing case notes
on vulnerable children has been purchased on eBay for
£1.70.
The case notes in around 1,000 files covered children across
Essex and detailed fostering and adoption histories. Some files
also contained details of sexual abuse.
The computer was
purchased by an eBay buyer in Surrey, reports the
BBC.
The council told the BBC that it has set up an inquiry into the
data breach, which came after the computer was offloaded by the
council as part of a recycling scheme.
The council told the BBC it was now reviewing its recycling
contract with a company in Essex.
The computer is now in the hands of the police, after being
handed over by the eBay buyer, and the council has set up a
helpline for those potentially affected by the data breach.
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