Data Breach at Tea App Exposes User Images and Private Messages
Last week, the women-focused dating safety app Tea suffered a data breach that exposed personal information, including user images and private messages. Initially, the company claimed there was no evidence of current or additional user data being affected. However, new reports indicate the breach is more severe than initially stated.
Independent security researcher Kasra Rahjerdi discovered that recent content from the platform, including direct messages, was accessible. The compromised data could allow hackers to view sensitive conversations between users. These messages reportedly included personal phone numbers, discussions about abortions, and accounts of infidelity.
A Tea spokesperson acknowledged the issue, stating that some direct messages were accessed during the cybersecurity incident. The company has taken the affected system offline as a precaution. Tea also stated it found no evidence of further breaches in other parts of its environment. As part of its response, the app will offer free identity protection services to users impacted by the breach.
The security lapse comes as Tea gains popularity. The app allows women to anonymously share dating experiences, warning others about potential risks such as catfishing or unsafe behavior from partners. The breach raises concerns about privacy, particularly given the sensitive nature of the discussions on the platform.
Tea has not provided further details on how the breach occurred or the full extent of the data exposure. Users are advised to monitor their accounts for suspicious activity and consider changing passwords as a precaution.
Update, July 29, 2025: Tea has issued a statement confirming the breach and outlining steps to protect affected users. The company continues to investigate the incident.
