A hacker group claims responsibility for leaking Disney’s internal Slack data, citing concerns over the company’s handling of artist contracts and use of AI. The leak, which Disney is investigating, includes login credentials, code, images, and information about unreleased projects.
Extent of the leak: The anonymous “Nullbulge” group says it obtained 1.1 terabytes of files and chat messages from nearly 10,000 Disney Slack channels:
- The leaked data, dating back to at least 2019, contains internal conversations about software development, recruitment, website maintenance, and employee programs.
- Details about upcoming gaming collaborations and unannounced video game sequels have started emerging online from the leaked files.
Hackers’ motivations: Nullbulge claims its goal is to protect artists’ rights and compensation:
- The group targeted Disney “due to how it handles artist contracts, its approach to AI, and its pretty blatant disregard for the consumer.”
- Concerns over AI’s impact on creative professionals’ livelihoods have been central to recent unionization efforts and strikes involving Disney animators and actors.
Disney’s AI controversies: The company has faced criticism for its use of generative AI:
- Disney used AI to produce credits for its “Secret Invasion” series on Disney Plus.
- The company has reportedly created a task force to explore how AI can be applied across its entertainment portfolio, potentially as a cost-cutting measure.
Broader implications: This high-profile leak highlights the growing tension between the entertainment industry and AI adoption:
- As studios increasingly leverage AI for content creation and cost reduction, concerns are mounting over the technology’s impact on artists’ livelihoods and the quality of creative output.
- The leak also underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive internal data from hackers motivated by ideological or economic factors.
- While the full extent of the leak’s impact remains to be seen, it could have significant repercussions for Disney’s reputation, ongoing projects, and employee trust.
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