Tea app under scrutiny after severe data leak
Tea, the women‑only app that champions safe online spaces, confirmed on July 25 that hackers had accessed a database containing more than 72,000 images. The breach exposed 13,000 selfies and government ID scans, most of which belonged to women who used the platform to flag toxic behavior from men.
Key facts about the breach
- Hackers accessed a database with over 72,000 user photos.
- More than 13,000 private images and ID scans were leaked online.
- The leak mainly involved women seeking a safer digital environment.
Global privacy fallout
The incident has sparked worldwide concerns over personal data protection, raising questions about how Tea safeguards its user base and whether the app will enhance its security measures to prevent future breaches.
What the company is doing
- Tea has publicly acknowledged the breach and is reviewing its security protocols.
- The app is working with security experts to strengthen database defenses.
Future steps for users
Users have been advised to change passwords and monitor accounts for suspicious activity. The company is issuing a formal statement detailing steps to help affected users protect their personal information.
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Security Commitment from Tea
- Privacy – Protecting user data is Tea’s highest priority.
- Platform Security – Tea is taking all necessary steps to ensure the platform’s security.
- Exposure Prevention – Measures are in place to prevent further data exposure.
“Protecting our users’ privacy and data is our highest priority. Tea is taking every necessary step to ensure the security of our platform and prevent further exposure,” a Tea spokesperson told NBC News.
How was the Tea app hacked?
Data Leak on Tea App Sparks 4Chan “Hack and Leak” Movement
How the Breach Unfolded
The leak appears to have been coordinated via a 4Chan thread, with users calling for a “hack and leak” campaign against the app. On Friday morning, a 4Chan user posted a downloadable link to the stolen image database, and identification photos quickly began circulating on both 4Chan and X.
Tea’s Role and the Old Database Question
Tea has blamed the breach on an old database, originally created in line with cyberbullying prevention requirements. Despite this, user selfies were supposed to be deleted after verification, and screenshots of in-app content were blocked.
Behind the Platform’s Creator
The platform’s creator, Sean Cook, has previously stated that Tea was inspired by his mother’s traumatic online dating experiences, including unknowingly dating men with criminal records.
Tea users’ messages and locations also compromised
Tea Faces DM Leak, Over 1.1 Million Messages Exposed
Summary of Breach
- DM Access: 1.1 million messages accessed by unauthorized parties.
- Investigation Status: Tea has taken the affected system offline.
- Researcher Insight: Kasra Rahjerdi discovered the breach; earlier users accessed the database before him.
Details of the Leak
- Map Sharing: Google Maps displayed anonymous coordinates linked to user locations, no names included.
- Identity Protection: Tea will identify affected users and offer free protection services.
- Corporate Donation: Tea donates 10% of profits to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, confirmed by the Hotline as a legitimate donor.
Additional Context
Tea confirmed to NBC News that the breach occurred “as part of our ongoing investigation.”
Kasra Rahjerdi stated that other individuals had accessed the database prior to his discovery, though it remains unclear if they downloaded the data.
