It was supposed to be a discreet platform for individuals seeking extramarital affairs, but according to a former vice president of Ashley Madison, the popular online dating site was “gambling with people’s lives” long before a massive security breach exposed the sensitive information of millions of users.
In an exclusive interview with The Daily News, the former executive – who spoke on the condition of anonymity – revealed shocking insights into the inner workings of Ashley Madison, alleging that the company prioritized profit over the privacy and safety of its customers.
“From the beginning, Ashley Madison was built on a foundation of deceit and exploitation,” the former VP said. “The executives were fully aware of the risks involved in operating a website that catered to individuals seeking illicit relationships, yet they chose to prioritize their bottom line over the well-being of their users.”
According to the former executive, Ashley Madison’s lax approach to security left its users vulnerable to hacking and potential exposure. “The company knew that the personal information of millions of users was at risk, but they failed to invest in adequate security measures to protect them,” the former VP explained. “In essence, they were playing with fire, and it was only a matter of time before their negligence caught up with them.”
That recklessness came to a head in 2015, when a group of hackers known as “The Impact Team” infiltrated Ashley Madison’s database and stole the sensitive information of over 30 million users, including their real names, email addresses, and credit card details. The breach not only exposed countless individuals to potential extortion and public shame but also led to several reported instances of suicide among those whose identities were revealed.
In the aftermath of the security breach, Ashley Madison faced severe backlash from both the public and law enforcement agencies, with many calling for the site to be shut down permanently. The former VP, who left the company prior to the breach, expressed regret at being associated with such a morally bankrupt enterprise.
“I deeply regret my involvement with Ashley Madison and the harm that it has caused to so many people,” the former executive said. “I hope that my testimony can shed light on the dark underbelly of the online dating industry and serve as a cautionary tale for companies that prioritize profit over ethics.”
As for Ashley Madison, the site continues to operate under new ownership, but its reputation remains tarnished by the events of 2015. The former VP believes that the company’s disregard for the well-being of its users ultimately led to its downfall, serving as a stark reminder of the dangers of playing fast and loose with people’s lives.
