{
  "id": 12226449,
  "title": "Data breaches across Queensland's public sector on the rise",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/data-breaches-across-queenslands-public-sector-on-the-rise",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-05T20:11:44.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-06/queensland-public-sector-data-breach-privacy-complaints/107220284"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Queensland Office of the Information Commissioner has reported a surge in data breaches across the state's public sector, with 82 notifications received last financial year, marking a significant increase from the previous year's 53. These breaches, overseen by the independent regulator responsible for safeguarding personal information, have been attributed to a combination of accidental incidents and malicious activities. Cybersecurity expert Luke Irwin highlights that data breaches remain vastly underreported, stating that many organizations fail to comply due to a lack of mandatory urgency. The mandatory data breach notification scheme, introduced in July 2025, has also led to a sharp rise in privacy complaints, with the office receiving 353 complaints in 2025-26, more than double the 2024-25 figure of 353. Most breaches are attributed to human error, such as misdirected emails or system notifications, while a smaller number involve intentional unauthorized access. The Information Commissioner, Joanne Kummrow, noted that the office is experiencing unprecedented levels of inquiries as a result of the mandatory notification scheme, which has been extended to local governments. Cybersecurity consultant Luke Irwin suggests that the scheme could be more effective if breaches were reported immediately, allowing for a comprehensive privacy impact assessment. The rise in privacy complaints reflects growing public awareness and a growing frustration with organizations collecting excessive personal data.",
  "summary": "The Office of the Information Commissioner says some of the breaches were malicious and intentional.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}