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Updated 1 day ago

BuzzFeed Data Breach

▼ Key takeaways

•Reports suggest a potential breach involving BuzzFeed.
•Discovered on September 17, 2026.
•Possible data exposed: Full name, Date of birth, Social Security number, Bank account number, Driver's license number, Passport number, Telephone number, Email address, Physical address.
•Affects individuals in: Massachusetts.
•Confirmation level: Confirmed by company.

Breach confirmed

The BuzzFeed breach is confirmed. If you may be affected, add your details below and we will take it from there.

Detailed summary

In August 2026, BuzzFeed Media Enterprises, Inc. disclosed a data security incident. This incident was due to a misconfiguration in two company-controlled Google Groups, which allowed unauthorized viewing of sensitive personal data. The company discovered the issue on August 19, 2026, and controls were fixed by August 20, 2026.

The exposed data may have included full name, date of birth, Social Security number, bank account number, driver’s license number, passport number, telephone number, email address, and physical address. Social Security numbers and financial data were involved. An affected count has not been publicly provided, and no medical data was involved.

Details can emerge later as investigations continue, and consumer notifications may be delayed. BuzzFeed states it has no evidence that any information has been misused.

Data possibly involved

Full name
Date of birth
Often used in combination with other data for identity theft
Social Security number
Can be used to open fraudulent accounts and file false tax returns
Bank account number
Could allow unauthorized withdrawals or transfers
Driver's license number
Can be used for identity fraud
Passport number
Telephone number
May be used for SIM swapping or targeted scam calls
Email address
Increases risk of phishing attacks and account takeovers
Physical address
Could be combined with other data for identity theft

Company Response Timeline

Breach Occurred

Aug 19, 2026

Company Discovered

Aug 19, 2026

Regulator Notified

Unknown

Consumers Notified

Unknown

0 days to discover

Breach Verification Status

Reports Only

Complete

Initial dark web reports of potential breach

Company Confirmed

Current

Company has acknowledged the breach

Regulator Confirmed

Confirmed by regulatory authorities

Note: Breach verification can take time. Information may evolve as more details become available from companies and regulators.

Case Status:

Monitoring

We're monitoring this situation for developments.

Were You Affected By This Breach?

If you are a customer or have received a data breach notification, you may submit your information as part of our ongoing investigation. Submitting your information is free and does not obligate you.

Were you in the BuzzFeed breach? Check your email

Free scan against known breach datasets. Then remove your info from data-broker sites with Data Shield.

No signup required. 30-second scan. Your email is only stored if you opt into alerts.

Get your info off data-broker sites

Data Shield files removal requests with every broker that accepts an authorized agent, and gives you the exact link or letter for the brokers that only accept requests from you.

See how Data Shield works

Check Your Risk Level

Answer a few questions to understand how this breach might affect you

Do you use BuzzFeed?

Yes

What state are you in?

What should I do?

Change your passwords

Update passwords for the affected service and any accounts using the same password

Enable two-factor authentication

Add an extra layer of security to your accounts

Monitor your accounts

Watch for suspicious activity on your financial and online accounts

Watch for phishing attempts

Be cautious of emails or messages claiming to be from the affected company

Consider a credit freeze

Prevent unauthorized access to your credit report

Scan your email for other exposures

Check whether this address shows up in other known breaches. Free, no account.

Get your info off data-broker sites

Data Shield files removal requests with every broker that accepts an authorized agent, and gives you the exact link or letter for the brokers that only accept requests from you.

See how Data Shield works