What is the Ashley Madison service and how does it work?

Ashley Madison is an online dating service specifically targeting individuals who are seeking to engage in extramarital affairs or discreet relationships. Founded in 2001, the website promotes its services with the controversial tagline, "Life is short. Have an affair." To utilize the service, users must create a profile and specify their interests and what they are looking for in a partner. Ashley Madison employs a platform where users purchase credits, which are then used to initiate contact with other members, send messages, gifts, or use other features designed to facilitate clandestine connections. The network relies on privacy tools to help maintain discretion for its user base, although its own security has been a subject of scrutiny—most notably during the 2015 data breach that exposed user information. Despite such challenges, Ashley Madison continues to operate and provides services to those seeking private extramarital engagements.