Australian communications regulator sues Singtel-owned Optus over 2022 data breach

Authorities said the company failed to protect its customers from the data leak.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has brought Singtel’s Optus Mobile Pty Ltd to court due to its alleged failure to secure the data of its customers leading to a breach in 2022. 

“We allege that during a data breach which occurred between 17 to 20 September 2022, Optus failed to protect the confidentiality of its customer’s personal information from unauthorised interference or unauthorised access as required under the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 (Cth),” ACMA said in a statement.

Optus said it was already informed about the proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia.

The company maintained it took the necessary steps to address the attack.

“Optus has previously apologised to its customers and has taken significant steps, including working with the police and other authorities, to protect them. Optus Mobile intends to defend these proceedings,” it said in a bourse filing. 

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Both parties said they would not be commenting further pending the decision of the Australian court.