Tea App Faces Major Security Breach
Tea, a women’s safety dating app that surged to the top of the free iOS App Store listings this week, has been the subject of a major security breach. The company confirmed Friday that it has identified authorized access to one of our systems that exposed thousands of user images. According to Tea’s preliminary findings, the breach allowed access to approximately 72,000 images, divided into two groups: 13,000 selfies and photo identifications from account verification and 59,000 publicly viewable images from posts, comments, and messages.
The leaked data from a legacy system contains information over two years old. The company states that as of now, there is no evidence to suggest current or additional user data has been compromised. Posts on Reddit and 404 Media reported faces and IDs of Tea app users on online messageboard 4chan.
Tea App’s Verification Process
Tea mandates users to verify their identities with selfies or IDs, hence why driver’s licenses and facial pictures are part of the exposed data.
App’s Purpose and Controversy
The app serves as a platform for women to report negative encounters with men to ensure safety. While it topped Apple’s US App Store, it sparked a debate on privacy violations. If the reported breach is authentic, it will contribute to discussions on the risks of online identity and age verification.
Tea reassures some degree of security on its website but admits no system is foolproof. A full investigation is underway to determine the breach’s extent and repercussions.
