Who is Ashley Madison?

Ashley Madison is not an individual person but the name of a famous online dating service, specifically targeted at people looking to have extramarital affairs or engage in discreet relationships. Founded in 2002 by Darren J. Morgenstern, the service uses the slogan "Life is short. Have an affair" to define its branding and unique selling proposition. The platform came into broad public attention in mid-2015 when it was hacked, and its users' personal information leaked, leading to widespread discussions on privacy, internet security, and the morality of the service it provides. Despite the controversy and the rather sensitive niche it caters to, Ashley Madison continues to serve a specific market segment interested in dating outside of their primary relationships.