Spilling the Tea or My ID?

Andrew Xie
Sep 25
3 min read

By Chelsea Lu Sep. 24 2025

First dates can trigger a landslide of emotions, from nervousness to hope to the itching fear that the date might not actually be who they claim to be. To combat this, some women download background checking apps, which require an address, identification and birthdate for registration. While the date may go well and the app may never be used again, many users of one app were surprised months later that all their personal information had been leaked, forever lingering within the dark crevices of the internet — this is what happened to users of the Tea app.

The Tea app, officially known as Tea Dating Advice, was created in 2023 to provide a safe space for women to communicate anonymously about potential online matches. Users are able to conduct background checks, reverse image searches and directly message other women about men, ensuring safer first dates. At its peak, Tea reported over six million users, with many more still waiting to be approved. However, on July 25, users on the notorious messaging board 4chan hacked and leaked Tea’s database, exposing over 70,000 addresses, direct message, images of government identification and personal images. The information was used to create maps of the addresses of the users, and many men started criticizing and ranking the women’s pictures on social media.

Instead of maintaining safety and discovering red flags, Tea has inadvertently caused more harm than good to both affected sides. Fueled by rumors and unproved accusations, it is easy to see why men have felt offended at the thought of being remarked at in secret. Harmful anonymous allegations can attract waves of undeserved public shaming, turning what was once a safe and welcoming space into a toxic environment. Even if a criminal or sex offender is called out, the app does not act to alert authorities, leaving users to utilize the information as they wish. For the women, the leak invaded their privacy and often led to severe online harassment. In fact, the Tea app now faces lawsuits from ten different women, as reported by NBC.

“The leak felt like girls getting caught passing notes in class. While they might have started passing notes as a means of safety, it quickly turned into gossip and ruined the reputations of the note passers. It endangers the women by invading their privacy, but also wrongfully shames men who are being falsely accused,” Junior Alyssa Chan said.

While Tea is now seen as unsafe and untrustworthy, the intentions behind these whisper networks—or informal systems where women communicate with each other about potentially dangerous men—are honorable. They primarily served as protective mechanisms for women against sexual harassment, which in the recent years have become widespread with the aid of technology and virtual dating. According to a Pew Research study, over 36% of women aged 18 to 34 felt that online dating was not a safe way of meeting potential partners, and over 60% reported instances of unwanted continued contact after rejection. Unfortunately, Tea’s transformation into a gossip campaign and its ultimate leak has defeated the original purpose.

“The app’s breach will likely not be forgiven, since it is so severe and has affected so many people. Their whole brand was being the safest place to spill tea, and now they have directly contradicted themselves,” Sophomore Chloe Kreisz said.

As alternatives to using the Tea app, women can report profiles and suspicious activity directly on dating apps. Websites and nonprofits such as Garbo also provide background check services for little to no cost. These are all safer options that do not require personal information, thus reducing the risk for a leak.

While the future of the Tea app is still unknown, the security breach serves as a reminder of the dangers of sharing personal information online, as well as the complicated and toxic nature of public gossip.

About the Contributors

Chelsea Lu

staff writer

Chelsea Lu is a sophomore at Leland High School and the Entertainment and Feature School page editor. She likes to bake, read, and watch movies in her bed.

Mingyue Xiao

artist

Mingyue Xiao is a junior at Leland High School and an artist for The Charger Account. She keeps busy reading, dancing, and drawing designs for her art projects.