UPDATE: Apple has removed the controversial apps Tea and TeaOnHer from its App Store due to serious privacy violations. This urgent decision, confirmed to TechCrunch, comes after numerous complaints related to data breaches and user privacy concerns.
The apps, which allowed users to anonymously rate and discuss individuals, faced intense scrutiny after significant data breaches exposed the personal information of users. Tea, aimed primarily at women, went viral in July 2023, but quickly became the center of controversy when hackers accessed sensitive data, including private messages and ID photos from its database.
While Apple has acted swiftly to remove the apps, they have been available for nearly two years and attracted over six million users. The apps’ unique premise, likened to Yelp for personal reviews, raised ethical questions about privacy and fairness, as users could not respond to reviews made about them. Following the breaches, Tea disabled direct messaging features, but concerns persisted about the platform’s security.
In a statement regarding the app’s removal, a representative from Tea acknowledged the situation:
“We are aware that the Tea App has been removed from the App Store and we are working to address Apple’s feedback. We know what this app means to our more than six million users and remain deeply committed to our mission of helping women navigate dating with confidence.”
As of now, Tea remains available on Google Play, allowing Android users continued access. Users who previously downloaded the app on their iPhones can still use it, but without updates and support from Apple.
The removal of both apps has sparked discussions about user privacy and the responsibilities of tech companies in moderating content. With the current landscape of digital applications under scrutiny, many are watching closely to see how this situation unfolds and whether Tea will implement the necessary changes to regain its standing on the App Store.
As unauthorized copies of the apps start to surface, the debates over user privacy and digital ethics are far from over. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
