Dating safety app Tea suspends messaging after hack

Messaging has been turned off on the ladies’s relationship security app Tea, following a hack which has uncovered 1000’s of photographs, posts and feedback.

In a brand new assertion the corporate mentioned: “As a part of our ongoing investigation into the cybersecurity incident involving the Tea App, now we have not too long ago realized that some direct messages (DMs) have been accessed as a part of the preliminary incident.”

The app, which permits girls to do background checks on males they could date, first mentioned it had been hacked in late July.

It is a US-based women-only app with 1.6 million customers, who’ve been instructed to count on additional updates as extra info turns into out there.

“Our staff stays totally engaged in strengthening the Tea App’s safety, and we look ahead to sharing extra about these enhancements quickly,” the corporate mentioned.

“Within the meantime, we’re working to establish any customers whose private info was concerned and will probably be providing free id safety companies to these people.”

A report from tech publication 404 Media claims a number of the uncovered messages embrace delicate conversations round abortions and infidelity.

“Conversations may embrace names, particulars of previous relationships, or different personal materials, opening the door to blackmail or emotional hurt,” cybersecurity skilled Rachael Percival instructed the BBC.

She mentioned Tea customers ought to settle for free id safety from the corporate as quickly because it’s supplied.

“It might embrace credit score monitoring, fraud alerts, and id theft insurance coverage,” she mentioned.

Kevin Marriott, senior supervisor of at cybersecurity agency Immersive, mentioned Tea’s replace will probably be “regarding for customers who’ve shared private particulars, addresses, and meet-up places”.

“The truth that criminals probably have each photographs and the related account’s direct messages ought to elevate the extent of concern amongst customers.”

Mr Marriott mentioned customers ought to stay vigilant as they wait to see what hackers plan to do with the stolen info.

Tea lets girls verify whether or not potential companions are married or registered intercourse offenders in addition to run reverse picture searches to guard towards “catfishing”, the place individuals use pretend on-line identities.

Probably the most controversial elements of Tea is that it permits girls to share info on males they’ve dated to “keep away from crimson flags” – probably abusive behaviours – but additionally spotlight these with “inexperienced flag” qualities.

It beforehand revealed that hackers had accessed 72,000 photographs submitted by its customers.

Some included photographs of ladies holding picture identification for verification functions, which Tea’s personal privateness coverage guarantees are “deleted instantly” after authentication.

Tea mentioned the breach affected members who signed up earlier than February 2024.

The app has not too long ago skilled a surge in recognition – in addition to criticism from some who declare it’s anti-men.