If You’re Seeing This, Your Data Was Likely Exposed by GDG Kolkata

In an age where data privacy is paramount, you trust event organizers to keep your personal information safe. Unfortunately, GDG Kolkata has repeatedly violated that trust. Their negligence resulted in significant data leaks during DevFest Kolkata 2022 and DevFest Kolkata 2023, affecting thousands of attendees. What makes this worse? Their denial, arrogance, and outright ridicule of those who tried to raise the alarm.

The 2022 Debacle: Blame the Attendees, Not the Leak

During DevFest Kolkata 2022, the GDG Kolkata organizers left their attendee database insecure. Instead of addressing the issue responsibly, they took an aggressive and accusatory approach. Students who raised concerns or were caught in the chaos were:

• Wrongly accused of hacking the database.
• Sent threatening calls and emails cancelling their tickets.
• Denied entry to the event at the venue gate itself.

These heavy-handed tactics did nothing to fix the actual issue: an insecure database. Instead, they created a hostile and intimidating environment for community members who dared to speak up.

The 2023 Drama: Same Mistake, Different Excuses

By 2023, GDG Kolkata still hadn’t learned their lesson. Their database was once again exposed, and this time, a community member pointed out the vulnerability before the event. Instead of fixing the problem, GDG Kolkata volunteers:

• Bashed the member in their official group and on Twitter.
• Mocked the individual, calling them names and dismissing their concerns.
• Suggested that the member should “go learn database security” instead of raising valid points.

The arrogance reached new heights when volunteers refused to acknowledge the issue until they were publicly called out on Twitter. Evidence of the leak, including database keys, was shared in a public tweet. This forced the organizers to backpedal after 24 hours of damage in addition to the 1 year and deleting their vile tweets.

GDG Kolkata Organizers Leaked Your Data—and Covered It Up

Here’s the reality:

1. GDG Kolkata leaked your data not once, but twice.
2. They never acknowledged the leak proactively.
3. They ridiculed and attacked the very community members who tried to help them fix it.
4. Their admission came after public outrage and undeniable proof.

Everyone makes mistakes, but responsible leaders own up to them and take swift action to fix their shortcomings. GDG Kolkata’s organizers not only failed to protect your data but, in their arrogance, chose to dismiss it until it became impossible to ignore.

Check If Your Data Was Leaked

If you attended DevFest Kolkata in 2022 or 2023, your data may have been exposed. To help you verify this, I’ve created a tool that checks whether your information was part of the leak: Check here.

A Call for Action

This is more than just a mistake—it’s a failure of leadership. GDG Kolkata organizers:

• Must acknowledge the full extent of the data leaks.
• Must take responsibility for their actions and issue a formal apology to the affected attendees.
• Should step down to allow new leadership that prioritizes transparency, community safety, and trust.

Data privacy isn’t optional. It’s time for GDG Kolkata to stop hiding behind excuses and fix the damage they’ve done. The community deserves better.

Everyone who has been blocked and banned by GDG Kolkata organizers are welcome to send me their stories at u6i1ncdr5@mozmail.com