The Tea App, a platform where women can anonymously review men and share red flags about them, has relaunched with a new website. The app had faced major data breaches in the past, which exposed users' personal information, leading to its removal from Apple's App Store.
The company claims that it has strengthened its security features, including internal safeguards, access controls, and review processes. Users can now verify their identity through a selfie video or photo with a government ID, ensuring that only women use the platform. However, experts remain cautious about the app's safety and privacy measures.
The relaunch comes after a heated debate online about privacy rights and gender-based violence faced by women on dating apps. A rival male version of Tea called TeaOnHer has also emerged, but was removed from the App Store due to policy violations and content moderation issues.
According to the company, the new website aims to help put an end to a "chapter" of controversy surrounding the app. Tea's head of trust and safety, Jessica Dees, stated that the relaunch reflects an effort to broaden access to safety tools while deepening accountability across the platform.
However, experts emphasize that apps like Tea are not as effective as in-person communication when it comes to building trust and relationship-building. They argue that users should be cautious about sharing personal information on public sites and that stronger warnings should be provided about what can and cannot be shared.
In addition to the website, Tea has also introduced new features on its Android app, including an AI dating coach and a chat analysis capability called Red Flag Radar AI. These features aim to surface potential warning signs in suitors and provide users with advice for different dating scenarios.
To mitigate future breaches, security experts recommend that companies conduct penetration tests to identify vulnerabilities and repair security weaknesses.
The company claims that it has strengthened its security features, including internal safeguards, access controls, and review processes. Users can now verify their identity through a selfie video or photo with a government ID, ensuring that only women use the platform. However, experts remain cautious about the app's safety and privacy measures.
The relaunch comes after a heated debate online about privacy rights and gender-based violence faced by women on dating apps. A rival male version of Tea called TeaOnHer has also emerged, but was removed from the App Store due to policy violations and content moderation issues.
According to the company, the new website aims to help put an end to a "chapter" of controversy surrounding the app. Tea's head of trust and safety, Jessica Dees, stated that the relaunch reflects an effort to broaden access to safety tools while deepening accountability across the platform.
However, experts emphasize that apps like Tea are not as effective as in-person communication when it comes to building trust and relationship-building. They argue that users should be cautious about sharing personal information on public sites and that stronger warnings should be provided about what can and cannot be shared.
In addition to the website, Tea has also introduced new features on its Android app, including an AI dating coach and a chat analysis capability called Red Flag Radar AI. These features aim to surface potential warning signs in suitors and provide users with advice for different dating scenarios.
To mitigate future breaches, security experts recommend that companies conduct penetration tests to identify vulnerabilities and repair security weaknesses.