You are aware the hackers could just inject a few innocent names into the list to smear targets [e.g. politicians, people they don't like] right? You are assum

You are aware the hackers could just inject a few innocent names into the list to smear targets [e.g. politicians, people they don't like] right? You are assuming guilt when, frankly, there is no real evidence the list isn't peppered with targets selected by the hackers in addition to the people who actually used the site. It also the only way to make money off such a list if Ashley Madison didn't pay up [e.g. Give us $X and we'll add your political enemies to the list] Tptacek is correct. This list is, literally, a weapon and could be employed by an actor to attack someone [although no violence would be required]. Honestly, I'm seriously concerned anyone be naive enough to take the list at face value when its clear the hackers had a financial motive to be dishonest. [e.g. Attempting to blackmail AshleyMadison for money.]