The women-only Tea app has reached one million downloads and topped the App Store lifestyle chart, gaining rapid popularity for its bold premise. Marketed as a dating safety tool, Tea allows women to post photos of men they’re dating to request “tea”, or gossip, about them from other users.
Founder Sean Cook created the app after his mother was catfished online. The platform includes features like reverse image search, phone number lookups, and public records checks to verify identities. Tea also includes the “Tea Party Group Chat,” where women anonymously share experiences and rate past partners.
Tea is restricted to verified female users and employs AI moderation technology to detect and remove harmful content. Screenshot prevention and a “green flag” feature aim to protect privacy while encouraging safer dating. Supporters say the app gives women more control in a digital dating environment that often lacks transparency.
Still, concerns are growing about the app’s potential for misuse. Legal experts warn that posting photos and accusations without consent may qualify as defamation. “Truth is an absolute defence for a defamation claim; you can’t just sue someone because your feelings are hurt,” attorney William Barnwell told Fox 2.
Cybersecurity expert Jake Moore said the app’s anonymous structure could “easily be used to spread unverified accusations” or even serve as “a revenge tool.” Some Reddit users claiming to be affected men have asked for their images to be taken down.
With regulations like GDPR in the EU, the app’s future expansion may face legal obstacles. While its intentions are protective, users are advised to proceed cautiously.
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