Apple removes Tea and TeaOnHer from the App Store over privacy and moderation issues

Apple has pulled the dating apps Tea and TeaOnHer from the App Store, citing violations of its policies around user privacy, user-generated content (UGC) moderation, and review integrity. The decision follows months of safety concerns and multiple reported data breaches.

What Apple says was violated

• Privacy & consent: Apps must not share or use personal data without explicit permission.
• UGC safeguards: Apps that host user content must provide tools to report offensive material, block abusive users, and filter objectionable content before it’s posted.
• Review issues: Apple flagged an “excessive” volume of negative reviews and complaints, including reports of minors’ personal details being shared.

Security history and context

• Tea (Tea Dating Advice): Went viral in 2024–2025; suffered hacks that leaked tens of thousands of images (including ~3,000 verification selfies/IDs) and later exposed over a million private messages.
• TeaOnHer: A mirror app targeting men’s reports about women; early vulnerabilities exposed verification photo IDs, selfies, and email addresses.

As of publication, both apps remain available on Google Play.

How the apps worked

• Tea: Women posted experiences about men, rated “green/red flags,” commented on photos, ran reverse image searches, and checked public records.
• TeaOnHer: Similar format for men posting about women, pitched as dating safety tools.

If you used these apps: steps to take now

• Change passwords and enable two‑factor authentication on accounts tied to the apps.
• Request data deletion from the developers, especially verification selfies/IDs (see regional rights like GDPR’s right to erasure).
• Monitor for fraud: watch for phishing, unusual logins, or identity‑theft red flags if your email or ID was uploaded.

Policy references

• App Store Review Guidelines (privacy, data use, UGC safety).

What’s next

• Possible reinstatement if developers remediate privacy, security and moderation gaps to Apple’s satisfaction.
• Android users should review permissions and verification flows carefully and check for robust in‑app reporting/blocking controls.

Discussion: Do strict removals improve user safety—or should platforms keep apps available under probation with mandated fixes and audits?