‘Covid passport’ scheme data breach raises concerns

According to officials the Northern Island Covid-19 Certification Service, COVIDCERT NI, has experienced a technical difficulty, and its availability has been interrupted temporarily.

The Department of Health (DoH) said it is aware that a limited number of users may be presented with data relating to other users.

A spokesperson for the DoH has confirmed that the Information Commissioner’s Office has been notified: “The department is endeavouring to resolve the issue and will provide a further update as soon as responsibly possible.”

Currently it is not known how many people have been impacted and how the breach occurred. 

The breach has raised concerns, especially in regards to people viewing other applicants’ personal information. 

Colm Gildernew, Sinn Fein’s health spokesperson said: “Significant personal information could have been exposed and it was right for the Department to advise the Information Commissioner’s Office. The Department must also ensure that those impacted are made aware of the breach and actions being taken to address this issue.”