Fact-Check Article: The Tea App Data Breach
What We Know
The Tea app, designed for women to share information about men they might date, recently suffered a significant data breach. According to NPR, the breach exposed sensitive user data, including drivers' licenses, selfies, and direct messages. The company confirmed that approximately 72,000 images were leaked online, which included 13,000 selfies and photo IDs submitted for account verification. The breach was first reported on July 25, 2025, when users on the message board 4chan accessed this sensitive data and shared it publicly (AP News).
The app's developers stated that the breach affected only users who signed up before February 2024, and they have engaged cybersecurity experts to address the issue (BBC News). The leaked data has raised serious concerns about the personal safety of the app's users, particularly given its focus on anonymous discussions about dating experiences (New York Times).
Analysis
The evidence surrounding the Tea app data breach is robust, with multiple reputable sources confirming the incident. The AP News report outlines the specifics of the breach, including the types of data compromised and the number of affected users. Additionally, NBC News corroborates the claim that hackers leaked 13,000 user photos and IDs, emphasizing the breach's severity.
The reliability of these sources is high. NPR, AP News, and NBC News are established news organizations known for their journalistic integrity and fact-checking standards. They provide detailed accounts of the breach, including statements from the Tea app's representatives. Furthermore, the involvement of cybersecurity experts, as noted by the app's developers, adds credibility to the seriousness of the situation (404 Media).
However, it is important to note that the situation is still developing, and while the initial reports are credible, the full extent of the breach and its implications may evolve as more information becomes available. The app's response, including the engagement of cybersecurity experts and the initiation of legal actions, indicates a proactive approach to mitigating the damage caused by the breach.
Conclusion
The claim that the Tea app has been hacked, resulting in the leak of all verification licenses, selfies, and personal information on 4chan, is True. The evidence from multiple reliable sources confirms that a significant data breach occurred, exposing sensitive information of users, including government IDs and personal images. The app's developers have acknowledged the breach and are taking steps to secure their systems, but the incident has raised serious concerns about user privacy and safety.
Sources
- Tea encouraged its users to spill. Then the app's data got leaked
- What to Know About the Hack at Tea, an App Where Women Discuss Men
- Tea app is breached, exposing user IDs
- Images stolen from women's dating safety app that vets men
- Two data breaches in one week on social media site Tea
- Tea app hacked: 13000 photos leaked after 4chan call to action
- 4chan Posts Sensitive Data From Women-Only Dating Safety App
- Women Dating Safety App 'Tea' Breached, Users' IDs Posted to 4chan
