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Internet Yiff Machine: We hacked 93GB of "anonymous" crime tips

March 27, 2026
•Ars technica
Internet Yiff Machine: We hacked 93GB of "anonymous" crime tips

So, here’s something that’ll make you think — an anonymous crime tip system, trusted by law enforcement, just got hacked. According to Nate Anderson writing for Ars Technica, a hacker group calling itself the 'Internet Yiff Machine' managed to scoop up a massive 93GB of data from P3 Global Intel’s system. Now, P3's software is used worldwide to accept tips and keep tipsters’ identities safe — promising, 'your anonymity is protected at all times.' But here’s where it gets messy — these hackers claim they’ve broken in and leaked all that sensitive info. Many tips are about serious crimes, and exposing them could put lives at risk. As Anderson reports, this isn’t just a data breach; it’s a major blow to trust in these systems. So what does this mean for law enforcement and the public? Well, it’s a reminder that even the most secure-looking tools can be vulnerable — especially when they handle such delicate information. Keep an eye on this space — things may get even more complicated.

P3 Global Intel claims that it has "quickly become the new standard in tip management for Crime Stoppers programs, [Law Enforcement Agencies], and government agencies helping to solve and prevent crimes around the world."

Its software does what it says on the tin: It accepts tips from the general public and then manages conversations between law enforcement and the tipper. Many of these tips are, by their very nature, extremely sensitive, and disclosure of the tip could imperil people's lives. P3 promises on its websites that "your anonymity is protected at all times."

But earlier this month, hackers calling themselves the, err, "Internet Yiff Machine" released 93GB of data that they claim was pilfered from P3's tip-taking system.

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Audio Transcript

P3 Global Intel claims that it has "quickly become the new standard in tip management for Crime Stoppers programs, [Law Enforcement Agencies], and government agencies helping to solve and prevent crimes around the world."

Its software does what it says on the tin: It accepts tips from the general public and then manages conversations between law enforcement and the tipper. Many of these tips are, by their very nature, extremely sensitive, and disclosure of the tip could imperil people's lives. P3 promises on its websites that "your anonymity is protected at all times."

But earlier this month, hackers calling themselves the, err, "Internet Yiff Machine" released 93GB of data that they claim was pilfered from P3's tip-taking system.

Read full article

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