Tea App Leak Explained: Women-only Platform For Reviewing Men Hacked, 72,000 Images Leaked On 4chan

A major data breach hit women-only platform Tea after 72,000 images were leaked online, including 13,000 images of selfies or selfies featuring a photo identification that users submitted during account verification. 404 Media first reported the breach and said it was 4Chan users who discovered an exposed database that "allowed anyone to access the material" from Tea. Another 59,000 images publicly viewable in the app from posts, comments, and direct messages were also accessed without authorisation, according to a Tea spokesperson.

"While reporting this story, a URL the 4chan user posted included a voluminous list of specific attachments associated with the Tea app. 404 Media saw this list of files. In the last hour or so, that page was locked down, and now returns a "Permission denied" error," 404 Media reported Friday.

No email addresses or phone numbers were accessed, the company said, and the breach only affects users who signed up before February 2024. However, its implications are far worse. According to reports on social media, users are now reportedly creating maps to track women who allegedly doxxed men by sharing their personal details on the Tea app. These maps are being shared as retaliation after the 4chan breach.

"Tea has engaged third-party cybersecurity experts and are working around the clock to secure its systems," the company said. "At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that additional user data was affected. Protecting tea users' privacy and data is their highest priority."

Also Read: Tea App Map Goes Viral After 4chan Leak. Are Users Now Being Tracked?

What is Tea app?

Tea is an app designed to let women discuss men they date. It is said to have 4 million users.

The platform presents itself as a safe way for women to anonymously vet men they might connect with on dating apps such as Tinder or Bumble, ensuring that your date is "safe, not a catfish, and not in a relationship."

"Tea is a must-have app, helping women avoid red flags before the first date with dating advice, and showing them who’s really behind the profile of the person they’re dating," reads Tea's app store description.

According to App Store tracker SensorTower.com, Tea Dating Advice has become the most popular free app in the US, and is the number one lifestyle download.

(With AP inputs)