Unredacted images and videos showing nudity released in the Epstein files have been online for days despite US officials being warned about failures in redaction, which lawyers say has caused victims 'irreparable' harm. The files seen by BBC Verify contain identifying information about dozens of Epstein's victims. Victims groups first spoke out about the issue when the New York Times reported nearly 40 separate images had been published as part of the Epstein files on Friday.
On Tuesday, a New York judge indicated the Department of Justice (DoJ) had agreed to promptly address the issue after victims urged for the website to be taken down until names and images could be properly redacted. The DoJ removed thousands of documents from its website, attributing the errors to 'technical or human' causes while continuing to review new requests and assess other documents that might require further redaction.
Despite these assurances, BBC Verify found that several images of identifiable individuals remained online even after the DoJ's claims to be tackling the redaction issue. Lawyer Brad Edwards, representing the victims, emphasized the 'irreparable' damage caused by these breaches, highlighting instances where four images displayed partially clothed young females with visible faces and bodies.
The revelations expose the significant lapses in the safeguards intended to protect victim identities within the files, prompting severe criticism from legal advocates. DoJ officials were supposed to ensure all sexually explicit materials or identifiable information were redacted prior to the files' anticipated release, which was delayed due to the extra work required for victim protection.
As the fallout continues, questions linger regarding the thoroughness of the ongoing review and the potential long-term impacts on the victims whose identities have now been compromised, further complicated by findings of identifiable medical information and legal statements present in the released documents.
On Tuesday, a New York judge indicated the Department of Justice (DoJ) had agreed to promptly address the issue after victims urged for the website to be taken down until names and images could be properly redacted. The DoJ removed thousands of documents from its website, attributing the errors to 'technical or human' causes while continuing to review new requests and assess other documents that might require further redaction.
Despite these assurances, BBC Verify found that several images of identifiable individuals remained online even after the DoJ's claims to be tackling the redaction issue. Lawyer Brad Edwards, representing the victims, emphasized the 'irreparable' damage caused by these breaches, highlighting instances where four images displayed partially clothed young females with visible faces and bodies.
The revelations expose the significant lapses in the safeguards intended to protect victim identities within the files, prompting severe criticism from legal advocates. DoJ officials were supposed to ensure all sexually explicit materials or identifiable information were redacted prior to the files' anticipated release, which was delayed due to the extra work required for victim protection.
As the fallout continues, questions linger regarding the thoroughness of the ongoing review and the potential long-term impacts on the victims whose identities have now been compromised, further complicated by findings of identifiable medical information and legal statements present in the released documents.
