# GCHQ still cannot account for missing storage drives that may hold sensitive data

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/british-intelligence-agency-misplaced-thousands-of-storage-devices-years-later-still-cant-say-how-many/
- Published: 2026-10-30T11:45:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-30T14:18:17+00:00
- Original publisher: The Register
- Original article: https://www.theregister.com/security/2026/10/30/british-intelligence-agency-misplaced-thousands-of-storage-devices-years-later-still-cant-say-how-many/5306605
- Topics: Software, Technology, UK, World

## Key points

- GCHQ cannot yet account for thousands of potentially sensitive storage drives.
- An automated tracking system is due by the end of the year.
- IPCO also found gaps in safeguards for one overseas partner.

## Summary

GCHQ has lost a very large number of removable storage drives that may contain data covered by the Investigatory Powers Act, and it still cannot say exactly how many are missing or where they are. The issue has been known for several years, prompting the Investigatory Powers Commissioner to call for sustained senior attention because the material could be highly sensitive.

GCHQ says weaknesses in its old tracking system have been addressed and it is working to locate the devices, with an automated asset-tracking system due by the end of the year. The report also raised concerns about safeguards for overseas partners accessing bulk-intercepted data: most partners were appropriately restricted, but an internal review found inadequate controls for one partner’s access to journalistic material. It also noted an unchecked software bug that led to detentions under the Terrorism Act.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.