WASHINGTON, U.S. – The women-only dating safety app Tea has suspended its messaging feature following a major cybersecurity breach that exposed thousands of user-submitted images, posts, and private conversations — including highly sensitive content.
In a statement, the US-based company confirmed that direct messages (DMs) were accessed during the late-July hack.
The breach, which affects users who joined the app before February 2024, has compromised data for an undisclosed number of accounts.
“We have recently learned that some direct messages (DMs) were accessed as part of the initial incident,” Tea said. “Our team remains fully engaged in strengthening the Tea App’s security.”
The platform — which has 1.6 million users — allows women to conduct background checks on potential dates, share safety tips, and flag “red flag” or “green flag” behaviors based on past experiences with men.
Tea has confirmed that at least 72,000 images were accessed, including photos uploaded for identity verification.
Personal and Sensitive Data Compromised
According to a report from 404 Media, some of the hacked messages involve deeply personal content such as discussions about abortions, infidelity, and meet-up locations.
Cybersecurity expert Rachael Percival warned that the leak could open the door to blackmail or psychological harm.
“Conversations could include names, details of past relationships, or other private material,” she told the BBC.
Tea said it is working to identify affected users and will offer free identity protection services, including credit monitoring and identity theft insurance.
Experts Sound the Alarm
Kevin Marriott, a senior manager at cybersecurity firm Immersive, said the potential combination of leaked images and private messages should raise “serious concerns.”
“This is particularly troubling for users who may have shared personal details, addresses, and verification documents,” Marriott said.
He advised Tea users to remain vigilant and prepare for possible misuse of their data, such as phishing attempts or scams.
App’s Controversial Features Under Scrutiny
Tea has grown rapidly in popularity due to its bold approach to dating safety. The app lets women check if someone is a registered sex offender or legally married, and allows reverse image searches to combat catfishing.
But one of its most debated features is its review system, where women can anonymously share information about men they’ve dated — praising or warning others about their behavior.
Critics have called the platform anti-men, while supporters argue it offers a much-needed layer of protection in the digital dating world.
What Happens Next?
Tea has promised further updates as its investigation continues and has urged users to be on the lookout for official communications.
For now, messaging features have been disabled, and users are advised not to re-upload sensitive content until security improvements are in place.
“We look forward to sharing more about these enhancements soon,” the company said.
The breach has drawn the attention of digital privacy advocates and lawmakers, as concerns grow about the handling of personal data on niche apps.
If you’re a Tea user:
- Watch for official updates from the app
- Accept the identity protection offer once available
- Avoid clicking suspicious links or sharing new personal details online
- Report any misuse of your data to relevant authorities
The hack highlights growing challenges in the online dating space, especially for platforms catering to vulnerable or safety-conscious users.