University College Union v Persons Unknown [2025] EWHC 192 (KB) (03 February 2025)

University College Union v Persons Unknown [2025] EWHC 192 (KB) (03 February 2025)

Default judgment is granted because the claimant has properly pleaded and served a claim for breach of confidence, the defendants have not engaged or filed a defence, and the facts alleged support the cause of action. A final injunction is appropriate to restrain further misuse or disclosure of confidential information, given the ongoing risk and the defendants' non-engagement.

Citation
[2025] EWHC 192 (KB)
Parties
Claimant: University College Union; Defendant: Persons Unknown
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
03 February 2025
Procedural Posture
Civil Breach of Confidence / Cyber Attack / Application for Default Judgment and Final Injunction
Outcome
Default judgment granted for the claimant. Final injunction granted against the defendants.
Legal Topics
Breach of Confidence, Cybersecurity, Interim and Final Injunctions, Default Judgment, Service on Persons Unknown, Open Justice, Alternative Service
Civil Procedure Media and Communications Law Privacy Law Breach of Confidence Cybersecurity Interim and Final Injunctions Default Judgment Service on Persons Unknown +2 more

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Parties

University College Union

Claimant

Persons Unknown

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Civil Breach of Confidence / Cyber Attack / Application for Default Judgment and Final Injunction

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the claimant is entitled to default judgment for breach of confidence against persons unknown responsible for a cyber attack and data disclosure
  2. 2 Whether a final injunction should be granted restraining further use or disclosure of confidential information
  3. 3 Whether derogations from open justice are justified to protect confidential material

Ratio Decidendi

Default judgment is granted because the claimant has properly pleaded and served a claim for breach of confidence, the defendants have not engaged or filed a defence, and the facts alleged support the cause of action. A final injunction is appropriate to restrain further misuse or disclosure of confidential information, given the ongoing risk and the defendants' non-engagement.

Court Disposition

Default judgment granted for the claimant. Final injunction granted against the defendants.

Orders

  • Defendants are prohibited from using, publishing, communicating or disclosing the confidential information.
  • Defendants must deliver up, delete, and/or destroy the information and provide a witness statement confirming compliance.