What is the story behind Ashley Madison?

Ashley Madison is an online dating service that was launched in 2001 by Darren Morgenstern. It specifically targets individuals seeking extramarital affairs or discreet relationships, operating under the slogan "Life is short. Have an affair." The platform's name itself comes from a combination of two popular female names in North America, "Ashley" and "Madison," to appeal broadly to its targeted demographic. Garnering significant controversy for its promotion of infidelity, Ashley Madison became widely known in 2015 due to a high-profile data breach that exposed the personal information of millions of users. This incident not only raised questions about internet privacy but also shed light on the site's user base and internal workings, which included accusations of employing bots to engage male users. Despite the scandal and ensuing lawsuits, Ashley Madison has continued its operations, claiming to have tightened security measures and reemphasized its unique niche in the online dating scene.