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Discord Security Breach: Hackers Steal Government IDs of 70,000 Users
Discord, a popular social media platform, has announced that hackers have stolen images of 70,000 users’ government IDs, including driver’s licenses and other identification documents. The breach occurred when an unauthorized party gained access to a third-party customer service provider used by Discord to manage user data.
The stolen IDs were submitted by users as part of Discord’s age verification process, which requires certain users to provide a photo or scan of their government ID to prove they meet the minimum age requirements in their country. In some cases, users were also allowed to provide a selfie as proof of age.
A Substantial Risk for Identity Theft
The breach is a significant concern for the affected users, as it poses a substantial risk for identity theft. Discord has stated that the unauthorized party gained access to the IDs through a third-party customer service provider, which had been entrusted to manage the data. The company has since cut off the vendor’s access to its ticketing system and is in the process of emailing affected users to notify them of the breach.
According to Discord, the affected users had communicated with the company’s Customer Support or Trust & Safety teams and had submitted their IDs as part of an age-related appeal. The breach highlights the risks associated with requiring users to submit sensitive identification documents online, particularly when third-party vendors are involved in the process.
Age Verification Laws and Online Security
The breach also raises concerns about the growing trend of online age verification, which is becoming increasingly common on social media platforms and other online services. Laws passed in 19 US states, France, the UK, and elsewhere require porn sites to verify visitors’ ages, and many sites have complied by implementing age verification measures. However, the use of third-party vendors to manage sensitive user data poses significant security risks, as highlighted by the Discord breach.
Experts warn that the increasing demand for online age verification will lead to more breaches like the one experienced by Discord. As more sites require users to submit government IDs and other sensitive documents, the risk of identity theft and other security threats will continue to grow. Users are advised to be cautious when submitting sensitive information online and to monitor their accounts regularly for any suspicious activity.
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Image Credit: arstechnica.com