Why is women’s only Tea App under fire? Complete controversy explained as spokesperson announces data breach

US-based women's only Tea app is underfire after a data breach which leaked 72,000 private images including women's IDs and selfies. A spokesperson for the app confirmed the hack to ABC News on July 25 afternoon, noting that the hack involved a database that stored around 13,000 images of selfies, and photo identification submitted by users to verify their accounts.

It also includes 60,000 images viewable for all app users. The spokesperson in a statement mentioned,

"Tea has engaged third-party cybersecurity experts and are working around the clock to secure its systems. At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that additional user data was affected."

The spokesperson added,

"Protecting Tea users' privacy and data is their highest priority. Tea is taking every necessary step to ensure the security of the platform to prevent further exposure."

The app went viral for promising to help women avoid problematic men and get intel on dating prospects. Users can share information about men they've dated and are interested in dating, to help other women identify potential "red flags" or "green flags."

The app has faced heavy backlash after The Times called it a "man-shaming" app. The app has also been criticised for encouraging gossip and spreading misinformation about people.

More about the Tea app

Sean Cook, a Bay Area tech executive, founded and self-funded the Tea app in 2023, after noticing that his mother was catfished and talked to men with criminal records while dating online.

In a promotional Instagram post, the Tea app compared itself to the user review app, Telp. A text in the video posted read,

"An app that's like Yelp, except for it's reviews of men."

The app's website says that it was launched "to give women the tools they need to date safely." The app offers AI-powered reverse image searching to catch catfish who are using fake images on dating profiles. The app had earlier confirmed on social media that it had reached 4 million users.

It also offers phone number searching to check if men have "hidden marriages", background checks for criminal records, and a map of registered sex offenders.

Only women can use the app, and users are required to register by creating a username, including location, birth date, a photo, and official identification. The Tea app claims that it deletes all photos after a review, where moderators approve or deny applications, after verifying if the new users are women.

Accepted users are promised anonymity outside of their usernames, and taking screenshots of what's posted in the app is blocked.

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