Guiness World Records has owned up to leaking 1,070 email addresses of Redditgifts users who won the record for the Largest Online Secret Santa.

Redditgifts bagged the record with 30,250 users in 115 countries handing out presents to each other last Christmas. Redditors involved were able to apply for a certificate of participation for a nominal fee.

Yesterday, over 1,000 British Santas got an email about the delay on getting their certs with each other's email addresses CC'd in.

GWR immediately copped to the breach and said they'd be informing the UK's Information Commissioner's Office about it.

"Guinness World Records today was responsible for a breach in relation to email data for a group of our record-holders for the 'Largest Online Secret Santa'. Unfortunately this breach was a human error by one of our staff," GWR said.

The record-book makers also said that everyone who had their email address handed out would get a full refund and still receive their certificate.

Some affected Redditors said they'd been inundated with spam, but most were understanding about the leak.

"I'm sure it was an honest mistake, I hope the poor employee doesn't get fired. I too, found the whole thing hilarious with all the replies from the other redditors. Heh. Thanks for the email acknowledging the mistake and the refund too," xinhui5 said on the site.

"I know, stuff happens! Can we get a free Guinness bar towel to go with our certificates? I would love one!" enterprising Redditor kimwim42 asked cheekily. ®