A database that contained contact information for millions of Instagram influencers, celebrities, and brand accounts was recently leaked online, reports
TechCrunch.
The database, which was hosted by Amazon Web Services and contains more than 49 million records, was accessible without a password or other credentials according to the security researcher who informed
TechCrunch about the leak.
Records include public data pulled from Instagram, such as profile picture, biography, and follower numbers, but also private contact information like phone numbers and email addresses.
Records also calculated the "worth" of each account based on follower count, engagement, reach, likes, and shares.
The database was initially uploaded and shared by Mumbai-based social media marketing firm Chtrbox, a company that pays Instagram influencers to share sponsored content. Though uploaded by Chtrbox, the database includes info from influencers who have never worked with the company.After hearing from
TechCrunch, Chtrbox took the database offline, but the company's CEO did not respond to a request for comment on how the data was obtained.
Instagram parent company Facebook said that it was looking into the issue and aiming to determine whether the data was from Instagram or other sources. "We're also inquiring with Chtrbox to understand where this data came from and how it became publicly available," said Facebook.
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Contact Info for Millions of Instagram Influencers, Celebrities, and Brand Accounts Leaked Online