The UK spy watchdog says it cannot account for thousands of data storage devices at GCHQ, raising concerns about missing or untraceable storage such as USB sticks and memory cards. The Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office (IPCO) says GCHQ is unable to account for these items, warning that this gap involves sensitive information handling.
IPCO’s assessment is set out in its annual reporting, with outlets describing the regulator’s response as “very concerned” and noting disappointment with how long it has taken GCHQ to investigate the issue. The differing emphasis across sources is mainly on the scale of missing devices and the watchdog’s criticism of the pace of GCHQ’s inquiry, rather than on additional technical or legal conclusions.
Overall, both reports frame the story around the watchdog’s findings and the status of GCHQ’s investigation, with IPCO pressing for explanations and accountability.
