The ACT Government has banned USB devices at the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC) following a major data breach that exposed the personal information of hundreds of prisoners, corrections officers, and visitors. The breach occurred when the government accidentally released unredacted Freedom of Information (FOI) documents to the ABC, revealing sensitive operational details about Canberra's prison.
The leaked data included full names of at least 592 prisoners, surnames of 77 corrections officers, and details of 10 prison visitors. It also exposed information about contraband attempts, including a public servant who tried to bring a smart watch into the prison and another staff member who attempted to bring a mobile phone and charger. The documents outlined drug overdoses, contraband locations, and search targets, potentially compromising security.
The breach was caused by a Microsoft Excel error where redactions were applied digitally but not permanently removed, leaving the data accessible. The Justice and Community Safety Directorate acknowledged the release was not in accordance with expected practice and confirmed the information was not shared beyond the ABC. Affected individuals will be notified, and the directorate is working with the Australian Information Commissioner to prevent future incidents.
ACT Corrections Minister Shane Rattenbury called the breach "bitterly disappointing" and attributed it to human error. He defended the public servant involved in the contraband attempt, stating there was no criminal intent. The incident has prompted an immediate ban on USB devices at the prison to prevent further data leaks, as the government reviews its redaction procedures ahead of new FOI laws taking effect.
