Tea, an App for Women to Safely Talk About Men They Date, Has Been Breached, User IDs Exposed
An alarming breach of the Tea app, a platform tailored to assist women in safely discussing potential and current dating partners, has come to light, revealing users’ private information. The incident involved the unauthorized exposure of thousands of images, including sensitive user data, according to a company disclosure on Friday.
The breach affected approximately 72,000 images. This number includes 13,000 images featuring selfies or photo identification required for account verification. An additional 59,000 images from user-generated content, such as posts, comments, and direct messages, were also accessed without proper authorization.
Fortunately, the breach did not compromise user email addresses or phone numbers. The incident impacts only those users who had registered with the app before February 2024. Tea has engaged external cybersecurity specialists to address the breach and ensure system security. Current assessments indicate no further user data has been exposed.
The Tea app is critically positioned as a privacy-centric platform where women can safely verify individuals they encounter on dating platforms like Tinder and Bumble. The application is described as a crucial tool for avoiding potential red flags and uncovering the true identities of people they’re interacting with on dating profiles.
Tea described the app in its store description as essential for women, providing dating advice and helping them identify who really hides behind online personas, thereby ensuring safety and authenticity in the dating game.
The breach was initially reported by variorum internet forums, where users found evidence of an unsecured database that permitted unrestricted access to the app’s stored data. This database included a comprehensive list of files related to the app, which was subsequently secured, limiting further unauthorized access.
Despite the breach, Tea recently announced via social media that it has successfully reached a user base of 4 million, emphasizing the platform’s significance and widespread use among women seeking safer dating experiences.
While Tea works to restore and fortify its systems following this data security concern, it remains committed to prioritizing user privacy and ensuring that the platform remains a trusted space for discussions and sharing.
