Tea Dating App Data Breach Exposes 72,000 User Images, Including Verification Selfies
Tea, a fast-growing women-only dating app, has confirmed a major cybersecurity breach that exposed approximately 72,000 user images, raising serious concerns about data privacy in online dating platforms.
In a statement to Reuters on Saturday, a Tea spokesperson said the company had detected “unauthorised access” to its systems. The leaked data includes:
- 13,000 verification selfies and ID photos submitted by users during sign-up
- 59,000 images shared in posts, comments, and direct messages
“We have engaged third-party cybersecurity experts and are working around the clock to secure our systems,” Tea said in an official statement.
Who Is Affected by the Tea App Hack?
According to the company, the data breach impacts only those users who signed up before February 2024. No email addresses, phone numbers, or passwords were compromised, and Tea emphasised that personal identity details remain secure aside from the exposed images.
The breach was first reported by 404 Media on Friday and quickly began trending due to the app’s reputation for prioritising female safety in dating.
What Is the Tea App and Why Is It Popular?
Tea is a women-centric dating app that enables verified users to anonymously share reviews of men they’ve dated or interacted with — similar to a Yelp-style format. The platform’s motto is:
“Women should never have to compromise their safety while dating.”
The app has grown rapidly in popularity in 2024 and 2025, particularly on social media. In a recent Instagram post, Tea claimed that over 2 million users had requested to join the platform in just the last few days.
Tea’s Security Measures and Next Steps
Following the breach, Tea has taken several actions to regain control and trust:
- Partnered with external cybersecurity experts to investigate and remediate the breach
- Increased monitoring and system audits
- Issued an internal review of image-handling protocols
- Promised to notify affected users directly
Tea has not yet disclosed whether it will offer credit monitoring or other forms of user protection.
A Wake-Up Call for Privacy in Dating Apps
The Tea app data breach is the latest in a series of incidents spotlighting the vulnerability of personal data in dating and social platforms. With sensitive images like ID verification selfies now potentially circulating, the incident raises alarms about the safety of women in digital spaces — particularly those meant to protect them.
Key Takeaways:
- 72,000 user images exposed in Tea app data breach
- 13,000 selfies and ID photos leaked; 59,000 other images from posts and messages also accessed
- Users who signed up before February 2024 are affected
- No phone numbers, emails, or passwords leaked
- Tea is working with third-party cybersecurity firms to contain the breach
- The app remains under scrutiny amid a surge in user demand
