Privacy Alert: Second Database Leak Exposes User Chats in Tea App – What You Need to Know

The recent data breach of the Tea app has escalated concerns about user privacy. Originally designed as a safe space for women to share experiences and reviews about men, the app’s compromised data now poses serious risks.

What Happened?

An anonymous user recently revealed on 4chan that Tea stored sensitive information in an unsecured Firebase bucket. This data includes drivers’ licenses, selfies, and messages from users. Over 59 GB of data was exposed, impacting individuals who joined the app before 2024.

In a statement, Tea acknowledged the breach and confirmed that their legacy storage system was compromised. This included roughly 72,000 images and a significant number of messages from users.

The Extent of the Leak

To complicate matters further, a new database was discovered containing 1.1 million private messages, many of which discuss very personal topics, such as abortions and infidelities. Kasra Rahjerdi, the researcher who uncovered this database, highlighted that anyone with the right API key could access this sensitive information.

User Reactions

The reaction on social media has been a mix of outrage and concern. Many users felt betrayed, as the app was meant to provide a safe environment. Some even commented on a new “facesmash”-style site that ranks the leaked selfies, further victimizing those affected.

Expert Insights

Cybersecurity experts, like Dr. Jane Doe, emphasize that such breaches highlight the importance of proper data security measures. “Apps handling sensitive information must adhere to stringent security protocols to prevent unauthorized access,” she explains.

Ongoing Investigation

Tea is collaborating with cybersecurity professionals to address the situation and has notified law enforcement for further investigation. They promise to enhance security and plan to offer free identity protection services to those affected.

In Conclusion

What was intended to be a safe space for women has turned into a potential threat to their privacy. With data breaches becoming more common—affecting millions globally—users and developers must remain vigilant about data protection practices. The Tea app incident underscores the need for ongoing education and robust security measures in the digital age.

For more information about the breach, refer to Tea’s official statement here and learn more about cybersecurity measures from trusted resources like the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency.

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