Hackers Compromise Women's Dating Safety App, Exposing Sensitive User Data

Tea Dating Advice, a US-based dating safety platform aimed at women, has reported a significant data breach that leaked 72,000 images of users and their related posts. The app, which has attracted 1.6 million members, alleged unauthorized access to sensitive information including photos of women for age verification. Although the company claims immediate actions were taken to secure user data, the incident has sparked discussions about privacy and safety in online dating platforms.

The breach, which primarily affects users who signed up prior to February 2024, was confirmed by Tea's executives, who are collaborating with cybersecurity experts to address the issue. The app has gained traction for allowing women to conduct background checks on their potential partners as well as report "red flag" behaviors, but it has also faced scrutiny for its perceived anti-male stance. Additionally, the recent hack has led to concerns that the exposed images could tarnish user privacy, despite the app's assurances that they cannot be traced back to specific posts.

Incidents like these highlight ongoing challenges in ensuring privacy within dating apps. Founded in November 2022 by Sean Cook, who aimed to improve safety for women in online dating, Tea's approach has drawn mixed reactions. While intended for women's protection, it has attracted criticism from individuals claiming potential privacy infringements. As the debate continues, Tea is taking proactive measures to rebuild trust among its users and reinforce its commitment to privacy and safety in a digital landscape fraught with risks.