By Islam El-Sakka
The US Department of Homeland Security has asked an Icelandic hosting company to take down or restrict access to leaked data that identifies more than 40,000 agency personnel, warning that the information exposes them to harassment, stalking, and physical harm.
Hosting Company Refuses Request
FlokiNET, the Icelandic hosting provider, said it would not remove the data because it consists of government work addresses and work phone numbers, not personal contact details. Chief executive Kolja Weber told Reuters the company does not consider the information a safety threat.
Data Published by Transparency Group
The non-profit transparency organization DDoSecrets released the database on Wednesday, alongside a searchable version developed by the hacker and journalist known as "maia arson crimew." The database was briefly inaccessible on Thursday but reappeared at a different domain.
Group Claims Responsibility
A group calling itself the "Department of Peace" claimed responsibility for obtaining the data. In a statement, the group said DHS employees "have our information, so it's only fair that we have theirs" and expressed hope the data would be used to limit further harm by the agency.
Privacy Advocates Criticize DHS Practices
Privacy advocates have criticized the Department of Homeland Security for using personal data from other agencies, including Medicaid records and taxpayer information, for immigration enforcement operations.
