If the US producers of The X Factor were in front of a panel of data security legends (and Simon Cowell) right now they'd be ripped apart with merciless wordage, after they lost the details of over 250,000 entrants to the competition, some as young as 12.

According to the Daily Star, the data was lost by Fox Broadcasting which reportedly sent a letter to affected parties admitting that the hack had taken place and that it was working with the long arm of the law to try to claw its way back into the public's affection.

"It is possible that the information you did provide to us, which included your name, email address, zip code, phone number [which was optional], date of birth and gender, may have been accessed," Fox said, possibly in a falsetto voice.

"We are taking this matter very seriously and are working with federal law enforcement authorities to investigate this illegal action."

The fact that kiddies as young as 12 could be affected by the hack is no doubt a serious matter, and, for one pop supremo, the fact they are allowed to enter at all is too much.

"With the whole Justin Bieber thing, I can see why lowering the age threshold might be seen as a good thing, but personally I think it should be set at about 15 or 16," chart-topping The X Factor hero Shayne Ward told Digital Spy (good work guys!).

Sneak couldn't agree more, Mr Ward; 15 or 16 is usually when most musicians flourish, and we want to make sure we get as much from the 40, 50 or even 60 year careers that no doubt await them, just as you and your winners' circle have proved.