Last week, the dating safety app TEA experienced a data breach and published 72,000 sensitive images, including selfies and photo IDs, as well as images of posts and messages for account verification. Personal data is reportedly shared by users of 4chan.
As reported by 404 Media, the second security issue has increased user data, prompting the app to disable the direct messaging feature on Tuesday afternoon.
Earlier this week, 404 Media received tips from independent security researcher Kasra Rahjerdi, including messages between users sharing phone numbers and discussing abortions and dishonest partners.
The app was created to provide a platform for women to exchange information about men, but last week released its first violation statement, saying it only affected users who signed up before February 2024. Rahjerdi’s findings revealed a message from early 2023 until last week.
In response to the report, Tea announced on Instagram that it temporarily disables the direct messaging feature. The company said it “drove the affected systems offline amid a wealth of attention.”
Released in 2023, TEA has since attracted a wide range of attention, and is currently ranked second on the Apple App Store’s top free app chart. Sensor Tower estimates that the app has around 2 million monthly active users as of this month.
This story has been updated to include app announcements on Instagram and Sensor Tower quotes.
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