Apple recently removed the women’s safety app, Tea, from its App Store. Users now see a message stating, “This app is currently not available in your country or region” when trying to access it. This follows numerous complaints about data breaches, including the exposure of personal information belonging to minors.
In an email to 404 Media, Apple explained that both Tea and a copycat app, TeaOnHer, were removed for violating terms related to content moderation and user privacy. According to them, apps must not disclose personal data without permission and must have a way for users to report inappropriate content.
Randy Nelson from Appfigures highlighted Tea’s removal, which took place after a period of rapid growth. The app aimed to create a safe space for women to share experiences and warnings about their dating lives. It allowed users to find “verified green flag men” and perform background checks.
However, the app faced serious issues after it was targeted by trolls from 4chan. Reports showed a breach that exposed users’ driver licenses and selfies. Just days later, another breach compromised users’ private messages, including sensitive discussions about topics like abortion. Following these events, Tea disabled its direct messaging feature. A user subsequently initiated a class action lawsuit against the app.
Despite these challenges, Tea managed to maintain its user base. In fact, the app’s story took an intriguing turn when 404 Media published an investigation into the CEO, Sean Cook. This report revealed attempts to undermine the “Are We Dating the Same Guy” community, which is known for keeping women safe online. They reportedly paid influencers to create rival Facebook pages.
Tea is still available on the Google Play Store, though numerous similar apps continue to be accessible on Apple’s platform. Even after its removal, Tea remains active on social media, promoting itself as a “girls-only space” for sharing experiences and finding dating safety information. However, user reactions are mixed, with some noting the app’s absence.
This situation highlights the critical balance between user safety and privacy. As the digital landscape evolves, the importance of robust security protocols only grows, particularly for apps focused on sensitive topics like dating and personal safety.
For those interested in deeper insights into user safety in tech, consider exploring research on privacy breaches and their psychological impacts, as seen in studies by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF).
