Apple Removes Tea and TeaOnHer Dating Apps Over Privacy Violations
Apple has removed the controversial dating apps Tea Dating Advice and TeaOnHer from its App Store, citing violations of its content moderation and user privacy policies. The decision, confirmed by Apple on October 22, 2025, follows multiple data breaches and an excessive number of user complaints.
🚫 Reasons for Removal
Apple stated that both apps failed to meet App Store guidelines, specifically citing violations of sections 1.2, 5.1.2, and 5.6. These guidelines pertain to user-generated content moderation, unauthorized sharing of personal information, and excessive customer complaints, including reports of minors' personal information being posted on the platforms. Despite multiple communications with the developers to address these issues, Apple noted that the problems persisted, leading to the apps' removal TechCrunch.
🔐 Data Breaches and Privacy Concerns
Tea Dating Advice, which gained popularity earlier this year, suffered a significant data breach in July 2025. Approximately 72,000 images, including selfies, driver's licenses, and private messages, were exposed online. TeaOnHer, a counterpart app for men, experienced a similar incident in August due to a configuration error Business Insider.
These breaches raised serious privacy concerns, as sensitive personal data was made accessible without user consent. Critics argued that the apps' design and lack of robust security measures made them vulnerable to exploitation and misuse.
📉 Impact on Users and Developers
Users who had previously downloaded the apps may still have access, but new downloads are no longer possible through the App Store. The developers of both apps have not publicly commented on Apple's decision. TeaOnHer's developer expressed disappointment, stating that the team had implemented advanced AI content filtering and other safety features in response to Apple's feedback Business Insider.
⚖️ Legal and Ethical Implications
The removal of Tea and TeaOnHer underscores the ongoing debate over privacy, consent, and accountability in the digital age. While the apps were intended to provide a platform for users to share experiences and warn others about potentially harmful individuals, their methods and security practices have been widely criticized. The incidents highlight the need for stricter regulations and oversight of platforms that handle sensitive personal information.
🔮 Looking Ahead
As of now, both Tea and TeaOnHer remain available on the Google Play Store, though it's unclear how long they will stay there. The situation has prompted discussions about the responsibilities of app developers and platform providers in safeguarding user data and ensuring compliance with privacy standards. The outcome of this case may set a precedent for future enforcement actions against similar platforms.
Conclusion:
Apple's removal of Tea and TeaOnHer from the App Store highlights the importance of adhering to privacy and content moderation standards. While the apps aimed to empower users with information, their failure to protect sensitive data has led to significant consequences. This incident serves as a reminder of the critical need for robust security measures and ethical practices in the development and management of digital platforms.
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