What is Ashley Madison and how does its dating website work?

Ashley Madison is a dating website specifically designed for people looking for extramarital affairs or discreet relationships. Its platform operates by allowing users to create profiles in which they can detail their personal interests, what they are seeking in a relationship, and share photos if they wish. The site relies on privacy features to maintain discretion, giving members the option to blur or mask photos and reveal them only to users they trust. Individuals can search for others based on their preferences and reach out through private messages. Functionality also includes winks or gifts for initiating contact without directly messaging. As a platform catering to an audience interested in secret liaisons, Ashley Madison encourages anonymity and has systems in place aimed to protect users' identities from being publicly exposed.