Video-chat app Houseparty has released a statement denying claims that its platform had led to users accounts being hacked and has suggested the allegations could be from a ‘paid commercial smear campaign to harm Houseparty‘.

The app has had an influx of new users due to social distancing measures introduced in a number of countries, including the UK, using it as a way to keep in touch with their pals while they’re stuck inside.

However, there have been a number of claims on social media from people who say since they downloaded the app their other accounts, such as Spotify and eBay, had been hacked.

Houseparty, which is owned by Fortnite-creators Epic Games has denied any data breach and has since tweeted to say they are offering a $1,000,000 (£810,750) bounty to anybody who can provide proof that the allegations made against the company are part of a ‘paid commercial smear campaign’.

In a statement responding to the original claims of hacking, a spokesperson said: “We’ve found no evidence to suggest a link between Houseparty and the compromises of other unrelated accounts.

“As a general rule, we suggest all users choose strong passwords when creating online accounts on any platform.

“Use a unique password for each account, and use a password generator or password manager to keep track of passwords, rather than using passwords that are short and simple.”

It followed the statement with a series of tweets about the alleged data breach, the first read: “All Houseparty accounts are safe – the service is secure, has never been compromised, and doesn’t collect passwords for other sites.”

A second post said the company was looking into rumours that it had been the target of a smear campaign.

The company went on to say it had been ‘humbled and grateful’ that it had been able to bring people together over the past few weeks.