OTTAWA -- The federal privacy commissioner is opening an investigation into the Ashley Madison data breach.

Hackers have disclosed the personal details of millions who signed up for the website aimed at married people looking to have an affair.

Avid Life Media, the parent company of several websites including AshleyMadison.com, is based in Canada.

Given the global scope of the incident, the privacy commissioner will be investigating jointly with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner and in co-operation with other international counterparts.

The commissioner's office has been talking with the company to determine how the breach occurred and what is being done about it.

Due to the confidentiality provisions of Canada's private-sector privacy law, the office is not providing further details