Pornhub is investigating a hacking incident affecting data from more than 200 million users worldwide.
The breach has raised serious privacy fears for millions of people using one of the internet’s largest adult platforms.
Hackers named
The accessed data is linked to a Western-based hacking group known as ShinyHunters, according to reports.
The group is already known for high-profile cyberattacks against major global companies.
What was accessed
The exposed information reportedly includes viewing habits, search history, and location data linked to certain users.
Pornhub confirmed the incident involved analytics data connected to some Premium accounts.
Company response
In a statement, Pornhub said an unauthorised party gained access through a third-party analytics provider.
The company stressed the breach did not involve Pornhub Premium systems directly.
Pornhub added that passwords, payment details, and financial information remained fully secure.
Third-party link
The Canadian-owned platform said the data came from an external analytics service provider.
Pornhub confirmed it stopped working with analytics firm Mixpanel in 2021.
This suggests the compromised data could be several years old.
Extortion claim
Technology website BleepingComputer reported that ShinyHunters issued an extortion demand following the hack.
Pornhub has not publicly confirmed receiving such a demand.
Investigation ongoing
The company said it immediately launched an internal investigation into the incident.
Pornhub is now engaging with relevant authorities and the analytics provider involved.
“We are working diligently to determine the nature and scope of the incident,” the company said.
Wider impact
Pornhub records more than 100 million daily visits across the globe, highlighting the scale of potential impact.
The case underlines growing concerns about data security and third-party tracking services online.
For many users, the breach raises uncomfortable questions about digital privacy and trust.
