Expressing concern about the reported leak of personal information belonging to State Bank of India (SBI) customers, with the data allegedly surfacing on the dark web, CPI(M) MP A.A. Rahim in a letter to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman urged to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and take urgent measures to safeguard customers.

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Mr. Rahim said that the reported exposure of sensitive customer information, including mobile numbers, email addresses, branch details and loan records, is particularly alarming, more so since there is no clarity yet on the number of customers affected, the source of the leak or the circumstances under which the information was compromised.

“SBI is a public sector bank that serves millions of ordinary citizens, including daily wage workers, labourers, farmers and small business owners. Protecting their financial security and personal information is a fundamental responsibility,” Mr. Rahim said.  The authorities must take immediate steps to ensure that affected customers receive timely assistance, their accounts remain secure and any attempts at fraud or unauthorised transactions using the leaked information are effectively prevented.

The incident Mr. Rahim said also raises questions on the implementation of the Data protection laws in the country. A comprehensive investigation must establish the extent of the breach, identify those responsible, determine whether the leaked information has been misused and ensure accountability. The authorities, he said in the letter,  must also issue appropriate advisories to customers and strengthen monitoring mechanisms to prevent fraud arising from the exposure of personal information.