The Department of Justice has apologised after it sent private information about West Australian prisoners to the wrong email distribution list.
The data bungle led to sensitive details about an Indigenous female prisoner at Bandyup Women's Prison and a male prisoner at Albany Regional Prison being emailed to an incorrect list.
The information mistakenly sent out included the full names, an image, the date of birth, partner information and number of children of the prisoners.
The Department of Justice said an employee at Bandyup Women's Prison was facilitating approval for an inter-facility telephone call with Albany Regional Prison between family members but selected the wrong distribution list.
The department said the distribution list contained 50 external recipients, including Department of Justice contractors, police, legal services and media outlets.
Email procedures under review
Superintendents at the two prisons have personally apologised to the prisoners for the error.
"The employee has been reminded of the need for care in communicating sensitive information," a department spokesperson said.
"The department is reviewing its distribution lists and related procedures."
The email, which was sent on Wednesday afternoon, was only recalled Thursday morning after questions from ABC Great Southern.
"The Department of Justice is committed to fostering respectful partnerships with our Aboriginal colleagues, clients and those in our care," the email read.
It comes after the Health Department accidentally released private information of passengers on a flight with a monkeypox case this week.
