Authorities inadvertently shared the names and positions of police officers in Northern Ireland on the internet, raising concerns that this unintended disclosure could compromise their safety.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) clarified that this information was inadvertently disclosed during a routine freedom of information request. The details encompassed the professional workplaces, last names, and initial letters of first names of the personnel but did not include their residential addresses.

"We have informed the organisation to make our officers and staff aware of the incident, appreciating the concern that this will cause many of our colleagues and families," Assistant Chief Constable Chris Todd said as quoted by AFP.

He explained the "matter is being fully investigated" and the "information was taken down very quickly."

"This is an issue we take extremely seriously and as our investigation continues we will keep the Northern Ireland Policing Board and the Information Commissioner's Office updated," Todd added.

"They are shocked, dismayed and basically angry that this has happened," he said.

"Our officers go to great lengths to protect their identities. Some of them don't even tell their close friends and associates," Kelly explained, affirming that some on the list worked with Britain's domestic intelligence body MI5.