The Internet Archive, a non-profit organization known for its vast digital library and web archive, has acknowledged a “glitch” that resulted in the deletion of user data and accounts, spanning years of activity.

While the exact extent of the data loss is still being determined, reports indicate that the glitch affected users’ browsing history, bookmarks, and account settings. Some users have also reported losing access to personal collections and saved content.

The Internet Archive has issued an apology for the data loss and is actively working to restore affected accounts and data. However, they have not provided a timeline for the recovery process.

Here’s what we know so far:

The glitch occurred on March 3rd, 2023.

It affected both paid and free users of the Internet Archive.

Data loss is not limited to recent activity; some users have reported losing data dating back years.

The Internet Archive is investigating the cause of the glitch.

What should users do?

Check your Internet Archive account for any missing data or settings.

Contact the Internet Archive support team if you experience any issues.

Consider making backup copies of important data stored on the Internet Archive, especially if you rely heavily on their services.

This incident highlights the importance of data backup and the potential vulnerability of online services. It’s crucial to be aware of the risks associated with storing data online and to take steps to protect your information.

Stay tuned for updates from the Internet Archive as they investigate the glitch and work towards restoring affected data.