Optus Breach Turmoil Continues, PM Demands Telco Foot the Bill for Replacing Passports

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Embattled Australian telco Optus has not responded to the prime minister’s request to foot the bill for replacing millions of Australians’ passports in the wake of its data breach.

Almost 10 million Australians were impacted by the hack, with personal details ranging from their full name and address to their passport, driver’s license, and Medicare numbers accessed by the hackers. Foreign Minister Penny Wong asked Optus’ chief executive for confirmation that the company would cover the costs of new passports, which are $193 each (around $125US).

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said Optus’ response had been a “mess” and a “debacle,” and the government is planning to introduce new laws to address the situation before year-end. (Ellen Ransley and Courtney Gould / News.com)

Related: News.com.au, SC Magazine, Sydney Morning Herald, PerthNow, Sydney Morning Herald, ZDNet,