2025 Scale AI — sensitive client data in public Google Docs
Data compromised
Client project details, contractor emails, confidential AI training information
Technical writeup
Business Insider discovered Scale AI routinely used public Google Docs to track work for high-profile clients including Google, Meta, and xAI. Multiple AI training documents labeled 'confidential' were accessible to anyone with the link. Exposed files contained sensitive details about thousands of contractors including private emails and information about suspected 'cheating.' Some documents were viewable and editable by anyone with the URL. Scale AI disabled public document sharing in response.
Root cause
Misconfigured document sharing; public Google Docs