Discord Reveals Hackers Stole Government IDs of 70,000 Users
In a statement released on Wednesday, Discord announced that hackers had accessed images of government-issued identification cards from approximately 70,000 users. The affected individuals had submitted their ID photos to the social media platform's customer support or trust and safety teams as part of age-related appeals.
According to Discord, the breach occurred at a third-party service entrusted with managing user data. The company stated that it had taken immediate action to secure the compromised information and was working closely with law enforcement agencies to investigate the incident.
"We take the security and privacy of our users very seriously," said a Discord spokesperson. "We are committed to protecting their personal data and will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that our systems remain secure."
The requirement for users to provide government-issued identification photos is a common practice among social media platforms, including Discord. The policy aims to prevent underage users from accessing the platform by verifying their age through official documentation.
Critics argue that the policy raises concerns about user privacy and data security. "Requiring users to submit sensitive personal information can create vulnerabilities for identity theft," said digital rights advocate, Sarah Jones. "We urge companies like Discord to prioritize transparency and implement robust security measures to protect user data."
Discord's decision to impose age verification requirements has been met with mixed reactions from experts. Some argue that the policy is necessary to prevent underage users from accessing mature content, while others contend that it infringes on users' right to anonymity.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by social media platforms in balancing user security and data protection with the need for robust age verification measures.
As the investigation into the breach continues, Discord has advised affected users to monitor their credit reports and take necessary precautions to protect themselves from potential identity theft. The company has also pledged to provide additional support and resources to those impacted by the incident.
In a statement, Discord emphasized its commitment to user security and data protection, stating that it would continue to work with law enforcement agencies and experts to prevent similar incidents in the future.
*Reporting by Arstechnica.*
