{
  "id": 20207470,
  "title": "AO3 urges users to take security precautions after site comes back online",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/15/ao3-urges-users-to-take-security-precautions-after-site-comes-back",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-11-15T17:15:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Mashable",
    "slug": "mashable",
    "url": "https://mashable.com/life/ao3-back-online"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The fanfiction platform Archive of Our Own (AO3) has returned online after a 17-day outage, according to the Organization for Transformative Works (OTW). The shutdown occurred following a reported security incident that resulted in extensive maintenance. The OTW estimated the downtime could stretch up to a month. Despite the brief return, several key points about AO3's earlier-than-expected comeback remain important. Users are urged to change their passwords on the site and any other platforms where they may have reused their AO3 password. The OTW also advises updating email addresses to ensure secure communication. Currently, some features are unavailable, such as icon displays and external importing, while others, like draft deletion, have been temporarily paused until November 29. AO3 has implemented measures to handle the influx of returning users, like intentional traffic management, which could result in slower loading times. Despite these temporary restrictions, AO3 assures users that no data has been deleted, and the site's security remains a top priority.",
  "summary": "The popular fanfiction site AO3 returns after a 17-day outage prompted by a security incident.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}