Data Breach Exposes Thousands of Users of Dating App Tea
In a concerning development, Tea, an app aimed at helping women discreetly assess their potential dates, has suffered a significant data breach. The company, which focuses on safeguarding users’ interactions, confirmed on Friday that around 72,000 images were leaked, including 13,000 selfies and photo IDs submitted by users for account verification.
According to Tea, unauthorized access also included 59,000 images from posts, comments, and direct messages within the app. Fortunately, the company reassured users that no email addresses or phone numbers were compromised, and the breach only affects those who registered before February 2024.
Tea has hired third-party cybersecurity experts to rectify the situation and is working diligently to enhance the security of its systems. The company emphasized its commitment to user privacy, stating that protecting the data of its users is their top priority.
The app has become popular among women seeking to vet men they meet on dating platforms like Tinder and Bumble, offering a way to ensure their dates are genuine and not involved in other relationships. Its description promises to help users identify potential red flags before meeting someone in person.
Earlier reports linked the breach to users on the website 4Chan, who were able to access a database that should have been secure. This troubling incident raises significant concerns about privacy and data protection in the digital age.
Despite the breach, Tea announced on Instagram this week that its user base has grown to 4 million, underscoring the demand for safer dating solutions.
