Reports have emerged stating that portions of Twitter’s source code, the fundamental programming code that enables the social media site to function, have been leaked online. The data had been posted on the Github collaborative programming network, but Twitter promptly submitted a copyright infringement claim to have it removed. While the code was taken down the same day, no information regarding how long it was available or the extent of the leak has been provided. Twitter also requested that Github reveal the identities of both the user who posted the code and those who accessed and downloaded it.
According to insiders at Twitter involved in the internal investigation into the leak, the company suspects that a disgruntled employee who left “within the last year” may be responsible. This news comes after Elon Musk purchased Twitter in October 2022 for $44 billion and implemented significant staff reductions, leading to concerns about the site’s ability to maintain its functionality.
Executives at Twitter are worried that the stolen code could be used by hackers to access user data or exploit new vulnerabilities. With the site already facing issues with scammers and white nationalists since Musk’s takeover, concerns are growing about whether the threat of hacking will be the final blow for advertisers and users, causing them to abandon the site altogether.