Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2026
ASOS says hackers took detailed customer data beyond initially reported scope
Issue disclosure
ASOS told customers that hackers were in possession of detailed profiles of potentially millions of users of the online store, including names, addresses, phone numbers, emails, customer numbers and website search terms. The disclosure followed cyber criminals contacting the BBC and saying the breach went beyond the "basic contact details" ASOS had previously said might have been accessed. ASOS confirmed the data profiles were taken but said no bank details or passwords were accessed. It said it was still investigating the data breach and had already taken additional steps to strengthen security controls. The hackers gained access to an employee account by impersonating a trusted contact to obtain login credentials, and customers were warned about potential impersonation scams.
Asos has told customers that hackers are in possession of detailed profiles of potentially millions of users of the online store, including names, addresses, phone numbers, emails, customer numbers and website search terms, after cyber criminals contacted the BBC saying this week's breach went beyond the "basic contact details" Asos previously said might have been accessed. Asos confirmed data profiles were taken but said no bank details or passwords were accessed, said it is still investigating the data breach, and said it has already taken additional steps to strengthen security controls. The hackers gained access to an employee account by impersonating a trusted contact to obtain login credentials, and customers are being warned about potential impersonation scams.
Company response
Clarification — Asos
In its email to customers, Asos confirmed data profiles were taken but said no bank details or passwords were accessed.
Investigation — Asos
Asos said it is still investigating the data breach and it would "contact customers directly where we believe additional information, support or action may be required".
Remediation — Asos
"We take that responsibility seriously and have already taken additional steps to further strengthen security controls," it said.
Apology — ASOS
In an update sent to its 16.5 million customers, ASOS apologised for the incident “any uncertainty this caused”.
Source excerpt
Asos has told its customers that hackers are in possession of detailed profiles of potentially millions of the online store's users.
So too are the searches customers have made on the website.
The risk to individuals is now higher and customers are being warned about potential impersonation scams.
2021
Superdry sues Asos over alleged use of Osaka branding
Lawsuit filed
Superdry sued Asos in the High Court, claiming that Asos copied its "Osaka" branding on T-shirts and sweatshirts. According to Superdry, the products were designed to reproduce the look of its goods and to mislead customers. The claim is presented as an allegation.
Superdry sued Asos in the High Court, claiming Asos copied its “Osaka” branding on T-shirts and sweatshirts. Superdry said the products were designed to reproduce the look of its goods and mislead customers; the claim is presented as an allegation.
Source excerpt
'It is clear that the product is designed to reproduce the look of Superdry's goods to mislead customers,' it said, adding that Asos acted 'flagrantly' by continuing to list items with the branding.
Superdry has sued Asos in the High Court claiming the online giant copied its 'Osaka' branding on T-shirts and sweatshirts.
2020
COVID-19 warehouse-safety criticism
Some workers and unions accused ASOS of failing to protect staff adequately during the pandemic. The company disputed the accusations, while Barnsley Council reported that the inspected site was complying with requirements.
2016
Warehouse working-conditions allegations
A BuzzFeed News investigation alleged poor conditions at an ASOS warehouse. ASOS said the complaints cited were isolated and did not describe general working conditions across the business.