Leak of User Data in Dating Apps

• Dating apps Tea and TeaOnHer have reported leaks of user data.
• The leaked information includes personal documents and photographs of users.
• Experts from cybersecurity emphasize the risks of using unprotected apps.

Two apps, which usually promote safe dating through shared information about unreliable or fraudulent partners, have gained popularity in the USA. The app Tea, which ranked first in the ratings, allows women to anonymously rate men they have met. However, both apps, including TeaOnHer, have reported serious data leaks that exposed personal information of thousands of users.

TeaOnHer, which encourages users to share information about men, was also found to be vulnerable to attack. Hackers managed to gain access to driver's licenses, photographs, and other personal data of users. Both apps are currently facing potential collective lawsuits following the discovery of the leaks.

Experts from cybersecurity indicate the ethical issues that arise from anonymous publication of information about fraudulent partners. They emphasize that unprotected data, which users provide, can become a target for malicious actors.

Tea became popular shortly after its launch in 2023, attracting groups on Facebook about unsafe dating. The app prompts users to provide personal data for verification of their identity, which increases the risk of leaks.

Research has shown that the security of TeaOnHer was low. Researchers managed to gain access to personal data of users in less than 10 minutes, without needing any passwords. The developer of the app has not provided any comments on the leaks, and its website is not operational.

Tags: Technology