What was the scandal involving Ashley Madison?

The scandal involving Ashley Madison erupted in July 2015 when a group of hackers known as "The Impact Team" breached the data of the online dating platform, which is specifically catered to individuals looking to engage in extramarital affairs. The hackers threatened to release personal information of users unless the site was shut down. Despite initial resistance, when the demands were not met, the hackers released a substantial amount of sensitive user data including names, email addresses, credit card information, and sexual preferences. This leak exposed millions of individuals worldwide, leading to public shaming and personal crises for those involved, while generating widespread debates about privacy, cyber security, and the moral implications of the service provided by Ashley Madison. The scandal not only impacted individual lives but also sparked legal actions and prompted a significant overhaul of security measures by similar businesses in the industry.