What is the Ashley Madison list and how was it leaked?

The Ashley Madison list refers to a large collection of personal data that was stolen and subsequently leaked from the Ashley Madison website, an online dating platform marketed toward people who are married or in relationships seeking an affair. In July 2015, a group identifying itself as "The Impact Team" hacked into Ashley Madison's parent company, Avid Life Media, and gained access to user data including names, email addresses, credit card details, and other sensitive personal information. The perpetrators threatened to release the information unless the site was shut down. When their demands were not met, they published the data on the dark web, leading to a massive breach of privacy for millions of users worldwide and causing significant personal and professional repercussions for those who were exposed. The incident raised serious concerns about cybersecurity and the ethics of both hacking and the business model that Ashley Madison employed.