Biometric Notice

Last updated: November 2, 2026

This notice explains what happens to face data when you add a photo to a Tea App Checker search. It is our public written policy on face data, including how long we keep it and when we destroy it.

1. What face data is

“Face data” means measurements of a face taken from a photo. Our system turns those measurements into a set of numbers, often called a face template. Laws in some states call this a biometric identifier or biometric information. This notice covers the photo you add, the face template we make from it, and the result of the comparison.

2. When we collect it

We only collect face data if you choose to add a photo, either by uploading one or by using your camera. A search with only a first name, city and age does not use face data.

We do not collect face data until you have read this notice and ticked the consent box.

3. Your consent

A search can be about you or about another adult. Before your photo is checked, you tick a consent box. By ticking it, you confirm that:

• You are 18 or older.
• You agree that Tea App Checker may measure the face in the photo and compare it with faces in photos from Tea app posts we can see, as this notice explains.
• The photo shows you. Or it shows an adult you are legally allowed to act for (for example, as their authorized representative).

Your tick in that box is your written release. We keep a record of when you gave consent.

If the photo shows someone else, you must be allowed to act for them and must have their agreement first. Never add a photo of anyone under 18.

4. How the face match works

1. Our system finds the face in your photo and checks that it is clear enough.
2. It makes a face template from that face.
3. It compares that template with face templates made from photos in Tea app posts we can see.
4. It ranks the closest results and shows them to you as possible matches.

This runs on our own servers. A match is our own estimate, not proof of who someone is. Results can be wrong.

To make this comparison possible, we also make face templates from photos in Tea app posts we can see. We use those only to find possible matches for searches. We handle them under the same rules as the rest of this notice: no sale, no advertising, limited access and secure storage.

5. Why we use it

We use face data for one purpose: to find Tea app posts that may show the same person as your photo. If you have an active weekly plan, we also use it to keep checking for new posts that may match.

We never sell, lease or trade face data. We never profit from it in any other way. We never use it for advertising, and we never use it to identify you on other websites.

6. How long we keep it

Photos are kept in encrypted storage; face data is destroyed within 3 years or sooner once it is no longer needed.

If a law or a court order requires us to keep something longer, we keep it only for that reason and only for as long as required.

7. Who can see it

• Our team, only the people who need it to run or fix the service.
• Service providers who store data or run systems for us. They must keep it secure and use it only for our service.
• Authorities, only if a law, a warrant or a subpoena requires it.

We do not otherwise share or disclose face data.

8. How we protect it

Face data travels over encrypted connections. Photos are kept in encrypted storage. Access is limited to the people who need it. We protect face data with at least the same care we use for our other most sensitive data.

9. Your choices

• Don’t add a photo. You can always search by first name, city and age instead.
• Withdraw consent and ask us to delete your face data with our Delete my data form, or email hello@teaappchecker.app. We finish within 30 days and email you when it is done.
• Think a photo of you was added without your permission? Email us with the subject “Report” and we will look into it.

10. State-specific information

Illinois

This page is our public written policy and retention schedule under the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act. We get your written release before we collect face data, and we destroy it on the schedule above.

Texas

We tell you before we capture face data and get your consent. We do not sell it, and we destroy it within a reasonable time, never later than the schedule above.

Washington

We get your consent before we collect face data, and we do not sell it. Face data is also consumer health data under Washington law. See our Washington Consumer Health Data Privacy Policy.

Colorado

This notice sets out what face data we collect, why, how long we keep it and when we destroy it. You can ask to see or delete it as described above.

California

Face data is sensitive personal information. We use it only to provide the service you asked for, as this notice describes.

Other states

We apply the same rules to everyone, wherever you live.

11. Contact