Try GOLD - Free
Companies House glitch puts millions at risk of identity theft
The Observer
|March 15, 2026
Companies House has exposed 5 million business owners to identity theft through a glitch that enabled members of the public to view and change directors’ personal details.
A bug on the database, on which any corporation active in the UK must register, had been allowing criminals to alter details of individuals and businesses simply by entering a company number and then pressing the “back” button on their web browser twice. After that point, the system allowed users to change names and addresses, and file fake accounts.
This story is from the March 15, 2026 edition of The Observer.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Observer
The Observer
If the shoes he chooses fit (or even if they don't) Trump's aides wear them
Deep in conversation with his vice-president and his secretary of state, Donald Trump suddenly broke off and peered over the Resolute Desk.
2 mins
March 15, 2026
The Observer
Shayne Coplan
The Polymarket founder built a $9bn empire on bets on politics and war
4 mins
March 15, 2026
The Observer
History of energy crises has much to teach this government
The best laid schemes o' mice an’ men/Gang aft agley” (often go awry).
2 mins
March 15, 2026
The Observer
The seaside is now a place of last resort
Hit by a dearth of tourists as well as political neglect, our once-loved tourist towns are locked in a doom spiral
3 mins
March 15, 2026
The Observer
We can escape the state we're in
There is nothing inevitable about the ills that continue to disfigure our economy and society
5 mins
March 15, 2026
The Observer
Red kangaroo
There's a bit of a bludger in all of us.
2 mins
March 15, 2026
The Observer
War is not a game of Call of Duty, Mr Trump
This is the real world where markets panic, and civilians die, says David Aaronovitch
3 mins
March 15, 2026
The Observer
The new leader is nowhere to be found, as rivals jostle for power in Tehran
In Mojtaba Khamenei's absence, the regime's top brass are out in force.
7 mins
March 15, 2026
The Observer
Three practical ways the UK can strengthen global health – one year after the aid cuts
One year ago, the UK government announced it would reduce its aid commitment from 0.5% to 0.3% of national income
3 mins
March 15, 2026
The Observer
Women still facing arrest after vote to decriminalise abortion
At least three women have been investigated for illegally ending their pregnancies since MPs voted to decriminalise the procedure last June.
2 mins
March 15, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size