Parler Data Breach Explained: What Type of Information Was Actually 'Hacked'

Parler has reportedly been the subject of a hack that archived massive amounts of public information before the platform was officially taken down.

Reports have surfaced online as to how the famous free-speech social media app that has gained popularity since the 2020 U.S elections may have been the subject of a hack. According to Screen Rant, the hacking incidence may have compromised huge amounts of public information before the social media app was taken down.

Parler 'Hackers' from the 'Other Side'?

Parler is now offline. However, it has been reported that before the app was taken down, an autonomous hacker was allegedly able to access and archive tons of data from the social media app. Since Parler has been infiltrated by mostly conservative/ far-right users, reports have surfaced online that the hackers came from the 'other side' of the political spectrum/liberalists. Specifically, Twitter user Crash Override reports this incident to his personal Twitter account with the caption "Great Job, everyone."

The supposed hack raises doubt about the security of the vigorously downloaded application. Be that as it may, it has far greater current ramifications as a possible device for federal investigators to follow the individuals who may have been instigating political brutality through Parler.

Also Read: Parler: Will it Ever Be Back? Here's What the CEO Says in a Heartbreaking Tweet

Only Public Data was Accessed in Parler 'Hacking'

The user Crash Override reported how archived material was only those that are publicly available and accessible through the web. There's nothing to worry about private messages as it has not probably been part of the 'hacking'. Furthermore, the user said that although Parler asks for information from users including email address, phone number, and other information, this was not included in the archive process, unless users have publicly disclosed/posted it.

Moreover, more people are critical about calling the incident a "hack".Was there a hack if only public information was accessed? A Twitter user named Burmecia commented by saying "They make it sound like they were infiltrated by elite hackers when in reality they all just put everything out in the open, and anyone could access it."

Apple, Google Play Store, and Amazon Remove Parler

Prior to the infiltration incident, the application was first taken out from the Google Play Store and Apple's App Store after the organizations verified that Parler's negligible moderation rules permitted or even possibly instigated the spread of violent data from all over the site. The controversial app committed to being a "free-discourse elective" as compared to social media giants like Twitter or Facebook, has managed a few stunning blows in the days following the US Capitol riot.

At that point, not long before 12 PM on Jan. 10, Amazon suspended Parler from its Amazon Web Services, taking the stage off the web altogether. Google, Apple, and Amazon's move to remove Parler was due to fears that it may once again imperil public wellbeing.

As of the moment, Parler is still undergoing system fixes while the app is already done. Opinions on whether the system was "hacked" or the App was just not careful about their system flaws is up for debate online.