Massive Data Breach: 13,000 User Photos and IDs Exposed from Tea App, Created for Women’s Safety

Hackers recently targeted the Tea app, a platform designed for women to discuss their experiences with men. The incident led to a significant leak of personal images, including selfies and government IDs of around 72,000 women.

On Friday, a spokesperson for Tea confirmed that a data breach had occurred. They reported that the leaked information included 13,000 verification photos and other sensitive materials. Tea, which encourages women to upload images of men and share experiences as a sort of digital whisper network, has quickly grown in popularity. It recently topped the Apple App Store for free apps and saw nearly a million new signups in a short span.

To join Tea, users submit selfies, which the app claims are deleted after review to verify their identity as women. Anonymity is promised outside of chosen usernames, and users can’t take screenshots within the app. However, the hackers accessed an old database from over two years ago, supposedly stored for compliance with cyberbullying laws.

In response to the breach, Tea has hired external cybersecurity experts to bolster its defenses. The company emphasizes that user privacy and data protection are priorities, pledging to take every measure to secure its platform.

The breach has triggered a backlash online. Some men have voiced resentment towards the app, leading to discussions on platforms like 4Chan, where calls for a “hack and leak” campaign emerged. Allegedly, a link allowing downloads of the stolen images was shared, although it’s unclear if the authenticity of these postings has been verified.

Sean Cook, the app’s creator, was motivated to develop Tea after witnessing his mother’s negative experiences with online dating, including situations where she was catfished or misled about men’s backgrounds. The app allows users to conduct background checks and search for criminal histories, aiming to enhance safety in online dating.

While the app claims to donate a portion of its profits to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, concerns linger. Many men have expressed fears of being misrepresented or doxxed through the platform, while some users worry that it could contribute to cyberbullying rather than addressing genuine safety issues.

The response to this incident highlights the ongoing conversation about online safety and privacy. According to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, nearly 40% of social media users have experienced some form of harassment online. The incident with the Tea app adds to the complexity of these discussions, as people weigh the benefits of community and support against the risks of privacy breaches.

As the app’s popularity continues to rise, many users remain on a waitlist, eager to join in light of recent developments. The discourse around app safety, user privacy, and online interactions will likely shape the future of platforms like Tea in an increasingly digital world.



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