Data Breach Archives - Join the Claim

Legal ruling gives new hope to data breach victims

Deborah McCahery — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 09:20:00 +0000

The Court of Appeal has overturned an earlier ruling that made it harder for people to bring claims after their personal data was exposed. In a significant win for consumers, the latest judgment confirms victims don’t need to prove their data was actually read by a third party, or that they suffered distress, in order to have a valid claim.

What was the case about?

The case involved hundreds of current and former police officers. Their pension scheme manager, Equiniti, accidentally sent confidential benefit statements to old addresses. The letters included sensitive details such as names, dates of birth, National Insurance numbers, salary, and pension information.

While Equiniti apologised and paid for fraud protection services, many officers were left anxious about the risk of identity theft.

Why this ruling matters

Until now, the High Court had restricted these claims, saying only people who could show their letters were opened by strangers had a case.

The Court of Appeal disagreed. Lord Justice Warby said:

Victims don’t need to prove their data was read to have a valid claim. It’s enough to show a reasonable basis for fearing misuse
There is no “threshold of seriousness” under UK data protection law
Claims should not be dismissed simply because the potential compensation may be small.

In short: organisations can’t dodge responsibility just because victims can’t prove exactly what happened to their data after a breach.

What this means for consumers

This ruling is a big step forward for data breach victims across the UK. It makes clear that:

Unlawful processing of personal data alone can give rise to a claim
Lower-value claims still matter and deserve to be heard

Anxiety and fear of misuse – when based on real risk – are enough to bring a case.

Data breaches are becoming more common, and this ruling strengthens the rights of consumers to hold organisations accountable.

If your personal information has been exposed in a breach, you could be entitled to compensation. We can help you check your eligibility and connect you with a regulated UK law firm ready to act on your behalf.

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Temu faces mounting lawsuits over privacy concerns

Deborah McCahery — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 09:57:38 +0000

Online marketplace Temu has seen explosive growth thanks to its extremely low prices and flashy marketing. But in the United States, claims are mounting over data privacy red flags.

In July 2025, the Kentucky Attorney General filed a lawsuit alleging Temu can “infect Kentuckians’ devices with malware, steal their personal data and send it directly to the Chinese government”.

And this isn’t the first legal action against Temu. In June 2024, the Arkansas Attorney General sued, claiming the app as being “purposefully designed to gain unrestricted access” to users’ phones. According to the complaint, Temu could bypass privacy settings, reconfigure itself after installation, and harvest everything from contacts and text messages to biometric data like fingerprints.

Security researchers have gone further, claiming the app contains tools to act as malware and spyware. If true, this could give Temu the potential to access literally everything on a device once installed. Although these claims have not been proven.

Why this matters for UK shoppers

Millions of UK consumers have downloaded Temu to snap up bargains. But while the platform promotes itself as a discount shopping hub, allegations like these suggest the real cost could be your personal data.

UK law, including the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR, offers protection against misuse of personal information. Companies can face heavy penalties for unlawful practices. But regulation is often reactive, meaning consumers could be exposed long before action is taken.

Protecting yourself online

With so much of our shopping, banking and everyday life now happening on our phones, keeping control of your personal data is more important than ever. While you can’t always stop companies from behaving badly, you can take practical steps to reduce your risk and spot warning signs early.

Here are a few simple ways to protect yourself.

Think before you download: Ask if an app really needs access to your contacts, location, or camera.

Stay updated: Install the latest security patches and app updates to reduce risks.

Know your rights: If a company misuses your data, you may be able to join a group claim.

Stay alert: Be cautious of apps repeatedly linked with data and privacy concerns.

Register your interest

The Temu lawsuits may be happening in the US, but UK regulators are watching closely. If similar concerns emerge here, affected consumers could have the right to seek compensation.

Want to stay in the loop? Register your interest with Join the Claim and we’ll keep you informed of any UK investigations or group claims linked to Temu. That way, you’ll be first to know your options.

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Shein hit with more lawsuits over allegations of shady practices

Deborah McCahery — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 09:57:21 +0000

The legal pressure on fast fashion giant Shein is piling up. In the United States, the ultra-cheap retailer has been hit with a new class action lawsuit after it allegedly sent unsolicited marketing text messages to someone on the Do-Not-Call Registry. Meanwhile in the UK, Shein faces a separate legal battle over tax evasion claims that lawyers believe are worth £5.8 million.

What’s happening in the US?

The latest lawsuit, filed in Indiana, alleges Shein broke federal consumer protection law by spamming a claimant with unsolicited texts. The plaintiff says they had registered their number with the Do Not Call Registry in April, yet received multiple marketing messages in June. Attorneys are seeking damages, claiming an invasion of privacy and nuisance.

What’s happening in the UK?

Closer to home, Shein is being sued over allegations that the company manipulated import declarations to avoid paying VAT on goods shipped into the UK. In other words, tax evasion.

Custom agents who worked with Shein argue that the retailer’s behaviour put them “under pressure and reputational risk”. The case is seeking damages of £5.8 million. Shein has denied the allegations, calling them “completely unfounded.”

Why this matters for UK consumers

Shein has grown into one of the biggest fast-fashion platforms in the world, offering ultra-cheap clothes delivered straight from China. But behind the bargains are potentially serious and mounting concerns – as other cases against Shein cover copyright infringement, misleading advertising, and questionable labour and environmental practices.

If the allegations are found to be true, shoppers could be at risk of:

Data breaches: Unwanted marketing messages or misuse of personal data.
Misleading advertising: Overstated sustainability claims could leave shoppers making choices based on false promises.
Poor quality: Garments that wear out quickly add to waste and force repeat spending.

For UK businesses, unfair practices could mean:

Lost revenue: Tax evasion allegations suggest Shein may have avoided paying millions in VAT, giving it an artificial advantage over retailers who play by the rules.
Distorted competition: Smaller UK brands and shops struggle to compete on price if rivals are dodging regulations.

If you want to stand up against poor business practices and help ensure companies operate in fairly, legally, and responsibly, you should:

Be cautious when giving apps or retailers your personal data
Challenge marketing messages you didn’t sign up for as they may breach data protection laws
Choose brands that are transparent about their pricing, taxes, labour conditions, and environmental impact

Follow regulatory developments. If wrongdoing is confirmed, you may have the option to join a group claim for compensation.

Register your interest

If UK investigations or group claims emerge against Shein, Join the Claim will keep you informed. Register your interest today to be the first to know about your rights and options.

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Hundreds of thousands of Grok chats exposed in Google search

Deborah McCahery — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 15:14:35 +0000

Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok has landed in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Reports reveal that hundreds of thousands of user conversations have been made publicly available through Google search results – without most people realising it.

What happened?

Grok users were given the option to “share” their chat transcripts. But what wasn’t made clear is that clicking this button didn’t just create a private link for a friend or colleague. It also published the chat online, where search engines like Google could index it.

That means anyone could stumble across chats ranging from meal plans and password requests to much more sensitive subjects, like medical conditions or even details about relationships and mental health.

Tech reporters found nearly 370,000 Grok conversations searchable on Google, some of which included highly personal information, files, and even unsafe instructions.

Why it matters

AI chatbots are fast becoming part of everyday life – from helping people write emails to offering health tips. But incidents like this highlight the risks when companies don’t make it crystal clear how our data will be used or stored.

Experts have warned that once conversations are published online, they can stay there forever. Even if names are stripped out, prompts often contain enough detail to identify someone – putting personal privacy at serious risk.

And this isn’t just about Grok. Other major AI platforms have faced similar backlash after shared conversations appeared in public feeds or search results. Each case chips away at public trust in tools that are supposed to be helpful and safe.

What’s next

Elon Musk’s xAI, the company behind Grok, hasn’t responded to requests for comment. Meanwhile, privacy experts are calling this a wake-up call for regulators, tech companies, and users alike.

If you’ve been experimenting with AI chatbots, the takeaway is simple: be careful what you share, and always check how those platforms handle your information.

Stories like this show just how quickly consumer rights and data protection can be put at risk. Register now for updates and we’ll keep you in the loop on the biggest tech and privacy cases that could affect you.

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Why repeat data breaches matter – examining the Air France- KLM data breach

Deborah McCahery — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 11:22:35 +0000

Air France and KLM are facing scrutiny after confirming a second major customer data breach in just over two years. This breach has left cyber-security experts wondering – is this latest failure a sign on deep systemic issues at the airlines?

Why repeat data breaches are a red flag

A single breach can happen to any organisation (usually due to unaddressed security issues). But when a company is breached more than once in a short period — especially involving similar types of data — it can point to even bigger problems, including:

Unresolved vulnerabilities from previous incidents

Weak vendor oversight if third-party systems are involved

Lack of investment in ongoing cybersecurity improvements

Failure to adopt best-practice protections, such as multi-factor authentication.

What UK travellers should know

Under UK GDPR, companies that process the data of UK residents must take “appropriate technical and organisational measures” to keep that data safe. A second breach can indicate that lessons from the first were not fully acted upon — something regulators take seriously.

For passengers, this means:

Greater risk of personal data being exposed again

Higher potential for targeted phishing, since scammers may already hold partial details from previous breaches

The possibility of joining a group action claim if poor security measures are to blame.

How to protect yourself after a repeat data breach

Whether it’s a leaked email address, stolen passwords, or worse, a data breach can leave you exposed to scams, ID fraud, and credit damage. But there are some steps you can take to protect yourself following the Air France- KLM data breach.

For example:

Don’t recycle passwords — especially across travel, email, and banking accounts

Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible

Check your loyalty account regularly for unusual transactions.

Our handy guide shows you what else to check, how to protect yourself, and what steps to take right now to stay one step ahead.

Can you claim compensation for the Air France- KLM data breach?

A second major breach in two years sends a strong signal that vendor security and internal processes may not be keeping pace with cyber threats. If you’ve been affected by one or both of the Air France–KLM breaches, you may have the right to claim compensation.

Think you might be affected? Use our quick checker to find out if you could join an Air France- KLM data breach claim. If you’re potentially eligible, register to get key updates – and we’ll let you know more.

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The real risks of the Air France–KLM breach – and how to protect yourself

Deborah McCahery — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 11:20:45 +0000

As far as we know so far, the latest Air France–KLM data breach didn’t expose payment details or passport numbers. But that doesn’t mean passengers are safe. Names, contact details, Flying Blue membership numbers, and loyalty tier status can be valuable to cybercriminals.

Here’s why the stolen information matters, and the steps UK passengers should take right now to stay protected.

The hidden risks after a data breach

Even if the breach didn’t include your credit card details, criminals can still use your exposed information to:

Send convincing phishing emails that look like genuine airline messages.

Target you with travel-related scams (e.g. fake “flight updates” or “account verification” requests).

Redeem loyalty points for flights, hotels, or goods without you knowing.

Build a profile of your travel habits for future scams.

Why UK travellers are particularly at risk

Under UK GDPR, affected customers should be informed promptly. But scammers know these alerts are going out, and may send fake breach notifications that mimic the airline’s email style to trick you into clicking malicious links. They may also time phishing attempts to coincide with common booking periods (e.g. summer holidays), when you’re more likely to respond quickly without thinking.

How to keep yourself safe after the breach

Even if you haven’t noticed anything unusual yet, the weeks and months after a breach are when scammers are most likely to strike. By taking a few proactive steps now, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to phishing, fraud, or account misuse.

Watch for unusual emails or texts: Be sceptical of any message that asks you to log in, confirm your account, or provide personal details. If in doubt, go directly to the airline’s official website rather than clicking a link.

Check your Flying Blue account regularly: Look for unexpected redemptions or changes to your account details.

Enable stronger security if available: If Flying Blue uses two-factor authentication, switch it on immediately.

Update and strengthen your passwords: Use a long, unique password for your airline account, and don’t reuse it elsewhere.

Our handy guide shows you what else to check, how to protect yourself, and what steps to take right now to stay one step ahead.

Scammers won’t waste any time and neither should you

The Air France–KLM breach shows that even without payment details being stolen, personal information can still be exploited. For UK travellers, the best defence is vigilance. The sooner you lock down your accounts and spot suspicious messages, the harder it is for criminals to turn stolen details into real damage.

If you’ve been contacted about this breach, you may also be entitled to compensation if security failures are proven.

The post The real risks of the Air France–KLM breach – and how to protect yourself appeared first on Join the Claim.

Another data breach hits Afghan evacuees in the UK

Deborah McCahery — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 09:39:48 +0000

Just weeks after the UK government finally revealed the 2022 MoD leak that exposed the personal details of nearly 19,000 Afghans, a second data breach has come to light. This time involving Afghans now resettled in Britain.

The latest breach was caused by a third-party sub-contractor working at London Stansted airport. For the thousands of people affected, it’s yet another blow to their safety, privacy, and trust in the system meant to protect them.

What happened this time?

The breach occurred at Inflite The Jet Centre, a sub-contractor responsible for providing ground-handling services for flights at Stansted. According to reports, the company suffered a cyber-security incident that led to the unauthorised access of personal data including:

Names
Passport details
Dates of birth
ARAP (Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy) reference numbers.

The breach potentially affects up to 3,700 people, including Afghan evacuees who travelled to the UK between January and March 2024. An email sent by the MoD to those affected claims the breach “has not posed any threat to individuals’ safety” and that no data has been publicly released.

The leak may have also exposed personal information belonging to civil servants, soldiers on routine exercises and journalists.

Why this matters

For many Afghan families, being named in any compromised database, especially one linked to UK military activity, can be a genuine matter of life or death.

Professor Sara de Jong of the Sulha Alliance, which supports Afghan interpreters, called the incident “astonishing”. Speaking to the BBC, she added: “The last thing Afghans – who saved British lives – need is more worries about their own and their families’ lives.”

A pattern of failure

This second breach comes just weeks after it was revealed that nearly 19,000 people had their details leaked by the MoD in 2022. That incident was kept secret under a super-injunction until July 2025 and has already triggered a wave of legal claims and public outrage.

With two major breaches in as many years, trust in the UK’s ability to protect its Afghan allies is wearing thin. While the MoD insists that data security is taken “extremely seriously”, the facts tell a different story. This latest breach may not involve government servers directly, but it still exposes sensitive data under government contracts, and it still puts real people at risk.

As legal firms continue to build compensation cases for the original breach, this second incident could widen the scope of potential claims.

What can you do now

We’re tracking this story closely as more details come to light. If you want to stay updated on the latest developments – including any new legal action – check your eligibility today.

The post Another data breach hits Afghan evacuees in the UK appeared first on Join the Claim.

What claims should be on your radar in August 2025?

Deborah McCahery — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 09:02:17 +0000

Major payouts. Fresh lawsuits. And new chances for compensation.

This month, several big-name brands and institutions are facing legal heat – from shocking data breaches to dangerous product recalls. Here’s what you need to know.

Afghan MoD data breach claim

A serious data breach at the UK Ministry of Defence exposed the personal details of hundreds of Afghan interpreters and their families. Sensitive information was accidentally shared via email, potentially putting lives at risk.

You could be owed money if:

You applied to the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) or related schemes.

You’ve received notification from the Ministry of Defence that your data was involved in this breach.

Where to sign up

As details of the Afghan MoD data breach emerge, there are serious questions about accountability, security, and justice for those affected. 

If your data was exposed in this breach, we’ll help you find out if you could be eligible for compensation, and if so, connect you with a specialist legal team at no cost to you.

Flo data misuse claim

Flo, the popular period tracking app, has come under fire after allegations it shared sensitive health data with third parties without proper consent. A class action in Canada has already moved forward, and lawyers are now preparing for a UK case.

You could be owed money if:

You used the Flo app to track periods, ovulation, or pregnancy.

You’re concerned your data was shared without permission.

What to do now

GDPR protects sensitive health data. If Flo shared your data without consent, your rights may have been violated under UK law. If you’re affected, register to keep an eye on this case. We’ll update you if a UK group action opens.

Citroën airbag recall

Citroën has issued a rare stop-drive notice for certain models fitted with defective Takata airbags. These airbags can explode on deployment, sending metal fragments into the car – a fault linked to injuries and fatalities worldwide.

You could be owed money if:

You own a Citroën C3 or DS3 model subject to the recall.

What to do now

UK law firms are now exploring a potential group action against Citroën. If you’ve been impacted, check your eligibility, register your interest, and we’ll keep you in the loop.

Booking.com claims

Booking.com is in the spotlight after reports of unfair practices. Two potential claims are brewing:

Consumer claim: People suing Booking.com for holiday cancellations and refund disputes

B&B claim: UK B&B & hotel owners accusing the platform of unfair pricing parity rules and hidden charges.

You could be owed money if:

You lost money on a Booking.com reservation

You run a property listed on Booking.com and faced undisclosed charges

What to do now

Visit jointheclaim.co.uk. We’ll keep you updated as these cases develop.

Microsoft & Google AI claim

Microsoft and Google are under investigation for allegedly using people’s personal data to train their AI systems. Legal teams across the country are investigating claims. If proven, this could amount to a serious breach of data protection laws, and those affected could be entitled to compensation.

You could be owed money if:

You’ve used services we all use every day, like Gmail, Outlook, Chrome, Word, Teams, Xbox Live, YouTube, and Google Maps.

What to do now

UK lawyers estimate that affected individuals could be entitled to anywhere from £1,000 to £25,000, depending on the severity of the misuse and the kind of data involved.

Answer a few straightforward questions, and you’ll know if you could qualify for a Microsoft & Google AI data misuse group action claim.

Paddy Power & Betfair data breach claim

Flutter Entertainment has confirmed a data breach impacting up to 800,000 UK and Irish users across Paddy Power and Betfair. The incident exposed email addresses, IPs and account activity logs, though no financial or password details were compromised. Still, fraud risks are high.

You could be owed money if:

You had a Paddy Power or Betfair account during the breach

You’ve received a security warning from Flutter

What to do now

Use our easy claim checker to find out if you qualify for a no‑win, no‑fee compensation claim and register today.

Apple and Google monopoly claim

The UK competition watchdog is planning new rules to curb Apple and Google’s control of smartphones. Together, they run nearly every phone in the UK, and critics say this limits choice and pushes up prices.

The CMA wants to give both companies “strategic market status,” which would let it force changes like:

Lower app store fees (currently up to 30%).

Allowing payments outside app stores.

More options for browsers and digital wallets.

Better compatibility for apps and devices.

The CMA will make its decision later this year. If the rules go ahead, big changes could be coming to your phone.

What to do now

Visit jointheclaim.co.uk for updates as this story develops.

Stay in the loop and don’t miss a thing with Join the Claim

Join the Claim keeps you updated on the latest consumer justice stories, breaking them down in plain English. Whether it’s a court ruling, a new investigation, or the launch of a group action, we’ll keep you informed.

Want the latest claim news delivered straight to your inbox?

The post What claims should be on your radar in August 2025? appeared first on Join the Claim.

Air France hit by second major data breach in two years

Deborah McCahery — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 09:39:53 +0000

Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines have confirmed a fresh data breach affecting some of their customers, including UK travellers.

The incident, which took place in late July 2025, involved unauthorised access to a third-party customer service platform used by the airline group. Despite widespread speculation, neither Air France nor KLM has confirmed the vendor’s identity (as of 11/08/2025).

The attackers are believed to have accessed personal details such as first and last names, contact information, Flying Blue membership info, and even the subject lines of customer service emails.

According to the airlines, the breach only affects customers who had previously interacted with their customer service team through the affected platform. At this stage, it does not look like passwords, passport numbers, flight bookings or credit card details were compromised.

This isn’t the first time the airlines have been involved in a customer data breach

For many loyal customers, this will feel like déjà vu.

In January 2023, Air France and KLM confirmed a major breach of their Flying Blue loyalty programme, which has over 17 million members. That earlier attack exposed names, email addresses, phone numbers, recent transactions, and account balances.

At the time, some criticised the airlines for not using stronger security measures, such as two-factor authentication.

What the latest breach means for UK customers

Under UK GDPR rules, companies that process the data of UK residents must notify affected customers promptly and take steps to reduce harm. So, the airlines should contact affected passengers directly.

However, while financial data wasn’t stolen, the risk now lies in targeted phishing attacks.

Cybersecurity experts warn that details like your name, contact information, and frequent flyer tier status can make scam emails look very convincing, particularly if they refer to genuine previous customer service interactions. That makes UK travellers more vulnerable to falling for fraudulent messages that request additional information or urge urgent action.

What to do if you’re affected

If your data was stolen, it’s important to act now:

Be alert for phishing emails, especially ones that appear to come from Air France, KLM, or partners.

Check your Flying Blue account regularly for suspicious activity.

Verify before you click anything. Go directly to the airline’s official website rather than using links in unsolicited messages.

Consider enabling stronger security (such as two-factor authentication) if available.

You can get more information on how to keep yourself safe following a data breach in our handy guide.

The bottom line

Outsourcing customer service systems doesn’t remove an airline’s responsibility to protect passenger data. Both the 2023 and 2025 breaches show that vendor security is just as important as in-house systems.

If you’ve been notified that your data was exposed in the latest incident, you may be entitled to compensation.

We’re here to keep you informed, and, where appropriate, connect you with leading UK law firms who can help you claim for any security failures that put your personal data at risk.

Think you might be affected? Use our quick checker to find out. If you’re potentially eligible, register to get key updates – and we’ll let you know if a UK claim goes ahead.

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Never heard of PeopleCheck? You could still have a data breach claim

Deborah McCahery — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 11:09:53 +0000

When news of the PeopleCheck data breach broke, many people thought: “Who?” If you’ve never heard of them, you’re not alone. But here’s why you could still be affected – and why it matters.

Who are PeopleCheck?

PeopleCheck is a background screening provider. They check the personal information of job applicants on behalf of employers. This includes:

Identity verification

Employment history

Criminal record checks

Education verification

If you’ve applied for a job in the last year, especially for roles in financial services, tech, or professional sectors, there’s a chance PeopleCheck processed your data without you even realising.

How can my data be involved if I didn’t give it to PeopleCheck?

When you apply for a job, the employer often uses a third-party company to carry out screening. PeopleCheck is one of those companies. Your potential employer would have passed your details to them during the hiring process.

Why does this matter?

The hackers didn’t just steal basic information – they got:

Names, addresses, dates of birth

Phone numbers and email addresses

Social Security numbers, internal references

Invoice and payment records (relates mainly to employer transactions, not job applicants)

With this level of detail, the risk of identity fraud and scams is very real.

Can I claim compensation?

Yes, you can still claim even if you’ve never dealt with PeopleCheck directly. UK law allows you to hold any company handling your data accountable if it’s exposed due to poor security. If you applied for a role at a company using PeopleCheck between June 2024 and June 2025, you may have a case.

We’re monitoring the case closely. Think you may have been affected? Check your eligibility, register your interest, and we’ll let you know if a UK claim is launched.

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