Highly Sensitive Australian Court Files Accessed by Foreign Actors in Major Breach

An investigation has revealed that highly sensitive Australian court files were accessed by foreign actors, constituting a breach of federal law and Commonwealth contractual obligations. The incident involves VIQ Solutions, a Canada-based company contracted to transcribe court cases across most Australian jurisdictions.

Subcontracting Breach and Offshore Access

VIQ Solutions reportedly subcontracted transcription work to e24 Technologies, a company based in Chennai, India. This arrangement was executed without notifying the courts and in breach of VIQ's Commonwealth contract. Internal VIQ documents indicated that thousands of court files were accessed by staff at e24 Technologies with Indian email addresses. A job advertisement from e24 further sought staff for legal document transcription, requiring proficiency in 'Australian English' for a 'remote' location.

Ignored Warnings and Dismissed Concerns

Australian VIQ staff raised concerns with management about offshore transcribers months prior to the public revelations. They reported that e24 staff were accessing court files outside Australian business hours and completing transcripts at an unsustainably fast rate, leading to significant errors that VIQ staff then had to correct.

VIQ management reportedly dismissed these concerns, stating that e24 resources were based in Sydney and directed staff to cease spreading 'rumours.'

A VIQ vice-president of Legal, Compliance and Human Relations reportedly stated that questions regarding offshore typists and transcript quality were 'not relevant' to employees' daily responsibilities.

The Gravity of Compromised Data: A National Security Risk

Court cases handled by the Federal Circuit and Family Court include matters of domestic violence, child abuse allegations, migration, and property settlements. Federal Court cases cover human rights issues, industrial relations disputes, taxation law, and matters involving large corporations.

Greens Senator David Shoebridge stated that foreign entity access to state and federal court cases poses a 'national security risk.'

He highlighted that private court proceedings contain highly sensitive evidence from organizations like ASIO and the Australian Federal Police. This information could pertain to international criminal organizations or foreign interference, potentially causing 'incredible damage' if disclosed.

Official Response and Mounting Inquiries

Following inquiries, VIQ Solutions reviewed its processes and reportedly identified compliance issues with e24. VIQ chief executive Larry Taylor stated that strict standards are implemented for contractors to ensure privacy, confidentiality, and security of sensitive customer data. He also affirmed that all customer data for Australian clients is stored in Australia in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

During a Senate estimates hearing, Senator Shoebridge questioned Sia Lagos, chief executive of the Federal Court of Australia, which manages the contract with VIQ Solutions. Ms. Lagos confirmed that VIQ Solutions was prohibited from offshoring court data and using AI-based software, and that the court had not been informed about e24 Technologies.

Further Claims and Calls for Action

VIQ contractors, who remained anonymous, expressed anxieties about unvetted overseas staff accessing sensitive matters and the potential unauthorized disclosure of information, including protocols of the Australian Border Force and police, and identities of witnesses and covert operatives.

Another VIQ contractor claimed that identities and locations of protected persons were left in transcripts produced by e24 for the West Australian Department of Justice. The WA Department of Justice is currently investigating these claims.

Senator Shoebridge called for an independent audit and the urgent termination of the contract with VIQ Solutions, citing multiple whistleblowers. The Federal Court of Australia's spokesperson stated that the entity managing the contract is seriously addressing compliance matters and is conducting inquiries.