Disney hit by major data leak from AI hacktivists

A self-proclaimed “hacktivist group” has leaked over a terabyte of data allegedly obtained from Disney’s internal messaging channels.

This data includes login credentials, code, images, and details about unreleased projects. The group, named Nullbulge, claims to have accessed Disney’s Slack messaging data via a compromised employee computer, obtaining “1.1TiB of files and chat messages” from nearly 10,000 corporate Disney Slack channels. Disney has confirmed it is investigating the breach.

Nullbulge announced on July 12th that it had the data, just hours before releasing the Slack archive. According to The Wall Street Journal, the leaked files contain internal Disney discussions on software development, recruitment, website maintenance, and employee programs, dating back to at least 2019.

Eurogamer reports that information on upcoming gaming collaborations and unannounced video game sequels has also surfaced online from the leak.

Nullbulge states its aim is to protect artists’ rights and compensation, criticizing Disney’s handling of artist contracts, its use of AI, and its disregard for consumers. Concerns over generative AI’s impact on creative professionals have been a key issue in unionization efforts among Disney animators and the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike.

Disney has faced backlash for using AI in the credits of its Secret Invasion series on Disney Plus and has formed a task force to explore AI applications across its entertainment portfolio.