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NSW Confirms ChatGPT Data Breach Affecting Up to 3,000 Flood Program Applicants

Investigators are assessing possible exposure after the agency opened an independent review of delayed notifications.

Overview

  • A former contractor uploaded a multi‑column spreadsheet from the Northern Rivers Resilient Homes Program to ChatGPT in March.
  • The authority says up to 3,000 applicants may be affected, with data potentially including names, addresses, emails, phone numbers and health information.
  • The agency reports no evidence the information is public or accessed by third parties, though that risk cannot be ruled out and monitoring continues.
  • Cyber Security NSW and forensic analysts are investigating the scope of the breach, with more detailed findings expected in the coming days.
  • The RA plans to contact applicants this week and provide assistance through ID Support NSW, while an independent review examines how the breach was handled; Minister Janelle Saffin said she received a preliminary report in July and a final report on Friday.