Tea confirmed a significant data breach on July 25 that led, rather alarmingly, to the exposure of thousands of user images online. Tea is a rapidly growing women-only app that lets users share dating experiences and scrutinize potential love interests thoroughly online. Approximately 72,000 images were purloined in the breach by hackers, and a Tea spokesperson subsequently revealed details quietly afterward. Around 13,000 verification-related photos, like selfies and identification documents used during sign-up, are included in this trove of data. Another 59,000 images—visible in posts and private messages within the app—were accessed without authorization, reportedly according to Associated Press sources.
Tea emphasized that sensitive personal info, like email addresses or phone numbers, remained untouched by hackers, mercifully. Company officials clarified the breach only impacted users registered before February 2024, somewhat surprisingly, under specific circumstances very recently.
“Cybersecurity experts have been brought in, and our team is working nonstop to strengthen the platform’s defenses,” said the company in a statement. “So far, there is no indication that other types of user data have been compromised.”
The breach was initially uncovered by users on 4Chan, who found an open-access database linked to Tea. A vast collection of sensitive content was included in the exposed database, as recently reported by 404 Media. A 4Chan user is said to have shared a link revealing a cache of image files allegedly connected to the app in question.
Tea announced on Instagram that its user base swelled rapidly to a whopping four million users this week, AP noted quietly.
What’s brewing on Tea App anyway?
A US-based app geared solely toward women, Tea allows users to anonymously share dating experiences and flag potential relationship risks, according to recent reports by Sky News. It’s touted as a super-safe haven empowering women navigating the often sketchy online dating scene. Tea’s website states its goal of ensuring women’s safety is never compromised. Tools like reverse image search for spotting catfishing and background checks for flagging shady activity are included, alongside phone number checks.
Tea also functions as a vibrant community platform, hosting what it touts as the largest group chat for US women, amidst robust security features. Tea offers peace of mind before meeting someone new, alerting users to red flags through a mix of personal experiences and secure tech tools.
