Ashley Madison Scandal

Online dating and social networking service Ashley Madison is facing strong public scrutiny after various claims of a hack allowing the information of 36 million users to be obtained and publicly posted. Included in this list of names were astonishing clients with a large reputation crisis on their hands. The online dating service is marketed to people who are married or in committed relationships, encouraging affairs and approving of infidelity from anyone and everyone.

The exposed clients included 44 Obama administration staffers, 13,078 members of the military, celebrities and many more. Although the brand promised its customers discretion, millions are struggling with the upheaval this hack has produced. The scandal is a rude awakening about data privacy and the threat of credibility destroying information being shared with the world. For the prevalent individuals, this humiliating security breach is causing a large disturbance in their personal and professional lives.

We are witnessing a large number of divorces, companies questioning employee morals, friends and family disgusted by the disgraceful actions and public relations practitioners at the ready to try to manage this reputation crisis. The first step for many will be a sincere public apology for their poor decisions. I am curious to see the progression of this scandal because the release of this private information is causing turmoil in many lives.

Although we live in a world of redemption, I think it will be difficult for many of the individuals to convince their family, friends, coworkers and acquaintances to accept their flaws and move on. Righting wrongs is not exactly an option in this situation. The infidelity has occurred and they cannot take this back. In order for these individuals to manage the destroyed reputation they have caused, a genuine attempt to regain trust and credibility is essential.