Despite a devastating data breach in 2015, Ashley Madison continues to thrive as a dating platform for married users seeking extramarital affairs. The company's chief strategy officer attributes this resilience to the fundamental desire for discretion and the company's efforts to rebuild trust.
Ashley Madison, the controversial dating site for married users, has weathered a tumultuous history marked by scandal and data breaches. However, as the Netflix docuseries "Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies & Scandal" reveals, the company has emerged stronger than ever, demonstrating the enduring appeal of its services.
"One of the things we know for sure is that when people discover that Ashley Madison exists, or for some people still exists, their interest is piqued," Ashley Madison chief strategy officer Paul Keable told Fox News Digital.
The company's commitment to discretion has been paramount in its post-breach recovery. "Over the past nine-plus years, our simple and only stated goal is to deliver on the promise to our membership to create a community of like-minded people that is rooted in discretion," Keable said.
Following the 2015 data breach, which exposed the identities of nearly 40 million users, Ashley Madison hired a cybersecurity team and implemented rigorous security measures. "Every new product, every new feature, every fundamental aspect of our business starts with [security and privacy] as a conversation piece, and it's embedded in everything we do," Keable said.
The company also acknowledged its past mistakes and took responsibility for the breach. "We know what it looks like and feels like when we let our members down, and we're committed to that never happening again," Keable said.
Despite the challenges it has faced, Ashley Madison has seen an increase in membership since the release of the Netflix docuseries. Keable attributes this to the ongoing demand for discretion and the company's renewed focus on trust.
"We offer a service that is in demand and what we offer is desired," Keable said. "Despite our past, despite some of the missteps we've taken, people are still coming to us."
The docuseries has undoubtedly piqued the interest of viewers, many of whom may never have considered using Ashley Madison before. However, Keable believes that it ultimately serves to highlight the company's resilience and the enduring power of discretion.
Ashley Madison's story is a cautionary tale about the risks of data breaches and the importance of consumer trust. However, it is also a testament to the human desire for connection and companionship, even in unconventional forms.
