I don't think it is as much news as a hack (which is completely relevant for this forum). The reason for its attraction is because most of the demographic here utilizes github and cares about privacy.
Thats exactly why its a news. Many didn't realize that the email and other particulars would be out in the open.
Its like knowing that my details are now public because I posted on HN when I expect only my posts to be public ... (Just an example as HN doesn't require an email id)