Apple Removes Viral Tea Dating Apps Over Safety and Privacy Failures

Apple has removed two popular dating review apps from its App Store. The apps, Tea Dating Advice and TeaOnHer, were pulled this week. This action was taken due to serious policy violations.

Apple confirmed the removal to TechCrunch. The company stated the apps failed to meet its standards for content moderation and user privacy.

Specific Policy Breaches Led to Swift Removal

Apple cited three specific App Store guideline violations. These were rules 1.2, 5.1.2, and 5.6. Rule 1.2 requires proper reporting features and the removal of objectionable content.

Rule 5.1.2 protects user data from being shared without consent. Rule 5.6 addresses a developer’s conduct following excessive negative reviews. Apple had received a high volume of user complaints about both apps.

Some complaints involved the sharing of personal information for minors. This was a major factor in the decision. Apple had contacted the developers beforehand but the issues were not fixed.

Broader Impact on Social Discovery App Category

The removal highlights ongoing challenges with social discovery apps. These platforms often struggle to balance community engagement with user safety. Failures in this area can lead to severe consequences.

For consumers, this means a loss of two popular services on iOS. It also serves as a warning to other developers in this space. Adhering to platform rules is not optional.

This decisive action by Apple reinforces its commitment to user safety. The removal of the Tea dating apps shows that privacy and security are non-negotiable. The App Store’s guidelines are being strictly enforced to protect all users.

Thought you’d like to know

Why were the Tea dating apps removed?

Apple removed them for violating content moderation and privacy rules. The apps had excessive user complaints and did not fix reported issues. This included complaints about sharing minors’ personal data.

Which App Store rules did they break?

They violated guidelines 1.2, 5.1.2, and 5.6. These rules cover content moderation, user data privacy, and developer conduct. Apple enforces these rules to maintain a safe ecosystem.

Are there any copycat apps still available?

Yes, TechCrunch reports that several copycat apps remain on the App Store. The original apps are also still available for download on Google’s Play Store for Android users.

What was the purpose of the Tea app?

It was designed as a platform for women to share dating experiences. Users could post “red flag” or “green flag” reviews about men they were dating. The app went viral earlier this year.

Did the apps have security problems before?

Yes, the original Tea app experienced a data breach after its popularity surged. The TeaOnHer app, developed separately, was also reported to have major security issues.