#USA #San Francisco #Data Breach #Tea #Schubert Jonckheer

Data Breach Alert: Tea's User Data Exposed

In an alarming revelation, the dating safety app, Tea, which enables women to share safety-related information about men they've dated, is currently under investigation due to a serious data breach. The legal firm Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP is at the forefront of this investigation, emphasizing the potential risks associated with the compromised data.

On July 25, 2025, it was confirmed that an unauthorized entity managed to exploit an unsecured database on Google’s Firebase platform. This breach led to the leaking of approximately 72,000 images, which included around 13,000 selfies and identification photos necessary for user account verification, in addition to 59,000 images scraped from users’ posts, comments, and direct messages. Initially, Tea had indicated that the breach only affected data uploaded by users before February 2024. However, subsequent investigations uncovered an additional database containing a staggering 1.1 million private messages exchanged between users, some of which were sent as recently as the week of the breach.

Users of Tea were alarmed to learn that they could access this sensitive data using their own API keys, which meant that anyone with basic access to the app could retrieve this compromised information. It wasn’t until the situation escalated that Tea chose to completely take offline the affected direct messaging system.

The implications of this data breach are significant. Users whose personal information has been compromised may be at heightened risk of identity theft and other serious privacy violations. Those affected are encouraged to seek legal counsel, as they may be entitled to financial restitution or other legal remedies aimed at requiring Tea to bolster its cybersecurity practices. Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP has advised affected users to contact them for additional guidance regarding their rights and potential remedies.

Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP, which is based in San Francisco, specializes in representing shareholders, employees, and consumers in class action lawsuits against corporate defendants. They are committed to ensuring accountability from companies like Tea that mishandle sensitive user information.

As the fallout from this breach continues, the spotlight remains on Tea as users and legal representatives urge for more stringent cybersecurity measures. The ongoing investigation may set a precedent for how dating apps manage user data privacy in the future. Users of such platforms must remain cautious and informed about their data security and rights.

If you are a Tea user and have received any notifications regarding this breach, or if you're concerned about your accounts and personal information, it’s crucial to take proactive steps now. For not only your peace of mind but to help protect yourself from the dangers of potential identity theft, engage with legal experts who can guide you through the process of securing your rights as a consumer.