The Phone Hacking Scandal refers to a major controversy involving the News of the World, a British tabloid newspaper, which was accused of illegally accessing the voicemail messages of celebrities, politicians, and crime victims. The scandal came to light in 2011, leading to widespread public outrage and legal investigations. As a result of the scandal, News International, the parent company of the News of the World, faced significant backlash, leading to the newspaper's closure. Several high-profile individuals, including journalists and executives, were arrested and charged, prompting discussions about ethics in journalism and the need for stricter regulations in the media industry.