Latest news with #Te
USA Today
a day ago
- Business
- USA Today
What is Tea Dating Advice? Controversial app lets women review men
A popular app that allows women to review and background check men they go on dates with is reeling from a massive data breach, which has exposed sensitive information about its users. Tea Dating Advice allows women users to vet their dates, using crowdsourced information and public records to evaluate men, including their dating profiles. The intention, according to the app's website, is to make dating safer for women. The company said July 25 that a security breach compromised "a legacy data storage system" of about 72,000 images, including photos of users and images from posts, comments and direct messages in the app. The breach has raised concerns amongst its users and reignited conversations online about digital safety and privacy. It has also resurfaced some controversies over the premise of the application, mainly among men. Here's what to know the app and the recent data breach. What is the Tea app? Tea Dating Advice was unveiled in 2023, but only recently surged in popularity after it received increased attention online. Its name comes from the phrase "spilling tea," or to share secrets or gossip. The app gives users a way to check the personal history of men, including a "Reverse Image Search" feature to catch men catfishing − pretending to be someone else online to attract potential romantic partners. They can also look up phone numbers to "check for hidden marriages," and implement background checks to see whether a man has a criminal record, the company says. Women on the app can also post anonymous dating reviews, share experiences with men they've dated (good and bad, giving them corresponding "green" or "red" flags) and share other information. According to the company's website, founder Sean Cook launched Tea after he saw his mother go through the "terrifying" experience online dating, when she was catfished and engaged with men who ended up having criminal records. "At its core, Tea is built on one fundamental belief: Women should never have to compromise their safety while dating," the company says. Tea says it donates 10% of its revenue to the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Data breach followed surge in app interest Though the application has been around for more than two years, it has only recently skyrocketed in popularity after going viral on social media. The company said in multiple posts between July 22 and July 26 that it was working to verify hundreds of thousands of new user requests made in the the preceding few days. On July 26, Tea said more than 2.5 million new users have requested to join the application over the past week. As interest in the application surged, so too did divisive discussions. Posts about Tea on social media sites such as X and Reddit have exploded in recent days, with debates raging in some threads about whether it invades men's privacy, while others have applauded the application as a way for women to protect each other from potentially dangerous or harmful men. What was exposed in the Tea data breach? The hack, which Tea said it discovered early on July 25, exposed tens of thousands of photos and other personal information from about 72,000 images. No email addresses or phone numbers were accessed, according to Tea, and the breach only affected users who signed up for the app before February 2024. The company told USA TODAY on July 26 that they have "implemented additional security measures and have fixed the data issue." Tea added in a statement on its website that they have contacted law enforcement and are taking steps to "ensure the security of our platform and prevent further exposure." Hackers were able to exploit Tea's data storage system to access where data was stored before Feb. 24, 2024, because "during our early stages of development some legacy content was not migrated into our new fortified system," according to the company's statement. What to do if you could be impacted by the data breach If you joined the app before February 2024 and are concerned about your drivers license information or other personal information being misused, you can find tips on the Federal Trade Commission's Identity Theft website. Contributing: Mike Snider, USA TODAY Kathryn Palmer is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at kapalmer@ and on X @KathrynPlmr.
Scoop
5 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Heroes Of New Zealand's Built Environment Scoop Awards At Packed Celebration
The Facilities Management Association of New Zealand (FMANZ) proudly honoured the best and brightest in the industry at the 2025 Ngā Tohu a FMANZ Awards yesterday evening - a prestigious annual event that recognises excellence across Aotearoa's facilities management profession. With five major categories, these awards are more than a ceremony – they are a powerful acknowledgement of the essential role FM professionals play in creating safe, effective, and thriving spaces that support the wellbeing and productivity of all New Zealanders. Behind every hospital, school, commercial hub, community space, arena, and airport, is a team of facilities management professionals quietly keeping our world running - ensuring our environments remain functional, resilient, sustainable, and fit for purpose. They rarely make headlines, but their work touches the lives of New Zealanders every single day. The FMANZ Awards are our way of celebrating these unsung heroes - recognising the individuals, teams, and service providers whose leadership, expertise, and dedication set the benchmark for our profession. This year's winners are a shining example of that impact. Brian Happy Award for Facilities Manager of the Year | Te Tohu o Brian Happy Kaiwhakahaere Whakaurunga o te Tau Winner - Angela Yannakis, PFMANZ, Delivery Manager, Citycare Property The judges were impressed with Angela's ' depth of expertise, strong technical handling, and the transformative impact she's had on her organisation and the wider FM community,' setting her apart as a ' true ambassador for our profession.' Emerging Facilities Management Professional of the Year Award | Te Ringa Ngaio Maea ki FM o te Tau Winner - Vicki Carter, Facilities Manager, Cushman & Wakefield NZ The judges were unanimous in their feedback that Vicki's ' passion, innovation, and professionalism, ' make her ' a rising force in FM and a true role model for emerging professionals.' Judges' Special Commendation – Bronia Coulson, Junior Facilities Manager, Citycare Property In an unprecedented move, the judges awarded a Special Commendation to Bronia, recognising her outstanding contribution, adaptability, and drive. 'Bronia's passion and pursuit of excellence have already made a lasting impact on the FM industry.' Facilities Management Team of the Year Award | Te Ranga FM o te Tau Winner - Auckland University of Technology Estates Group Their commitment to excellence was noted by the judges who praised them for ' successfully championing a seat for FM at the design table,' and noted that despite limited resources they have delivered ' measurable outcomes, high satisfaction ratings, and capital projects on a lean budget, setting a new standard in team performance in facilities management.' Sustainability & Environmental Impact Award | Te Tohu Whakaaweawe Whakauke me te Taiao Winner - Richard Boyter - Facilities Manager, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited The judges were impressed by Richard's ' perseverance, systems thinking, and ability to bring others on the journey,' stating that he ' stands out as a visionary, solutions-driven leader, embodying the best of sustainable facilities management in Aotearoa.' Service Provider of the Year Award | Te Kaiwhakawhiwhi Ratonga o te Tau Winner - Dutton Stormwater Maintenance The judges spoke highly of their ' inspiring passion and genuine love for their work - qualities that radiate through every level of their business,' highlighting the way they exemplify ' true partnership - passionate, innovative, and committed to people and planet.' The 2025 Ngā Tohu a FMANZ Awards winners were announced at the FMANZ Awards Celebration on Thursday 24 July at Q Theatre in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. FMANZ CEO, Jo Duggan, expressed her congratulations to this year's award winners. ' I want to extend my huge congratulations to all our 2025 award winners – leaders, innovators, and role models in every sense. Your passion, hard work, skill, and impact truly stand out. Ngā mihi nui also to every finalist for your time, effort, and commitment to excellence in the FM profession. I was incredibly humbled and privileged to listen to the finalist interviews – they made me immensely proud of the sector we represent.'
Scoop
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
A Karanga To The Lost; A Multimedia Journey Of Communion, Reconnection And Ritual With Our Whakapapa
Press Release – Basement Theatre An invitation to return to the self, Ella Rerekura (Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi, Ngāti Rangi, Ngāti Tūwharetoa) presents her directorial debut, E Ngaro Ana Koe? (Are You Lost?) as part of Basement Theatre's Matariki/Winter season. This multimedia dance work is a calling to those who have ever felt distant to their whakapapa, moving with the rhythms of collective and individual reconnection through movement, poetry, archival film and sculpture – and ultimately a provocation to meet the taniwha that live inside us with care, and to honour the continual act of shedding, morphing and becoming. Featuring seven powerful movement artists alongside Ella – Indiana Carder-Dodd (Ngāpuhi, Te Āti Awa, Pakeha), Rewa Fowles (Whakapapa Māori), Tara Hodge (Te Aitanga a Māhaki, Ngāti-Whare), Hayley Walters-Tekahika (Ngāti Kahungungu, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngapuhi) as well as Harrison Cook (Ngāi Tahu) and Eli Free (Whakapapa Māori) who will be joining digitally from Australia – who each bring their own whakapapa journeys and relationships to the floor, weaving together personal story and shared ritual. Ōtautahi-raised and Tāmaki Makaurau-based, Rerekura draws from her own experience as wāhine Māori and CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), bringing together her practices of dance, writing, pigment making and archival process. Her work sits at the intersection of identity and embodiment, deeply rooted in her whakapapa journey, reflecting a personal commitment to understanding the presence of her tūpuna and how they reside in her body today. Conceived with collaboration at its core, the show features work from a total of 16 artists including tuakana support from comedian/actor Janaye Henry (Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa), poet/writer Liam Jacobson (Kāi Tahu) and movement artist Gabby Terras. E Ngaro Ana Koe? is a calling for us to ask: what brought us here? And where are we going next? E Ngaro Ana Koe? plays: 26 – 30 August 2025, 8pm Basement Theatre, Lower Greys Ave, Auckland $30 standard // $20 concession Earlybird tickets available until August 5 ($27 standard // $17 concession)
Scoop
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Kōanga Festival Unveils Full Line-Up For This September In Tāmaki Makaurau
(Tāmaki Makaurau, Wed 23 July, 2025) - Kōanga Festival, a captivating celebration of Māori performing arts, has unveiled its dynamic hōtaka (programme) for the 2025 event. Returning to Te Pou Theatre for two packed weekends from 12 to 21 September, the 2025 programme champions new Māori voices and work across theatre, music, and dance, from powerful play readings and live gigs, to a fun-filled community Whānau Day. Kōanga is a time when te taiao comes to life with new growth. Kōanga Festival cultivates new ideas and shares the bounty of new narratives through Māori performing arts. Now in its 11th year, Kōanga Festival is where Māori stories are crafted, shared and embraced. This year's headline show What Happened To Mary-Anne? is a bold, high-energy rock show created by award-winning performer and writer Brady Peeti. Featuring a live band and original music, the show is an unflinching, electric ride through love, identity, and memory. What Happened To Mary-Anne? takes place on three nights only from Friday 19 - Sunday 21 September. Festival favourite Whānau Day, taking place Saturday 13 September, is an open, free festival day for all to enjoy. Expect a magical storytelling grove, kai stalls, a rangatahi curated outdoor music stage, kapa haka, kids' theatre, games, and more. It's a celebration of storytelling that the whole whānau can experience together. 'Kōanga Festival 2025 shares the talents of excellent Māori performing arts makers, and nurtures new stories for the stage, with a focus on crucial voices at crucial times; futuristic thinking, urban Māori stories and electrifying performances.' says Amber Curreen, Artistic Director. From Friday 19 - Saturday 20 September, emerging Māori playwrights will present their newly developed works following three months of creative development through the Kōanga Playwrights Programme. With limited capacity, these readings offer a rare first-look at the future of Māori theatre. This year's playwrights are Leigh Minarapa (Ngāti Rangitihi) with 'Te Koha', Lila Māhina Black (Ngāti Raukawa) with 'Strange Signals: Aliens in Aotearoa', Zody Takurua (Ngā Rauru) with 'WHŌRE', and Ngahiriwa Rauhina (Ngāti Whakaue, Tuhourangi ki Wahiao, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Awa, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Raukawa) presenting the only te reo Māori work within the Kōanga Playwrights Programme, 'Te Tau E'. 'Te Tau E' marks Kōanga alumnae Ngahiriwa Rauhina's first full-length mainstage work presented entirely in te reo Māori. 'It's the first time we've had so many works dealing directly with Māori futurism and critical contemporary kaupapa.' says Amber Curreen in regards to the Playwrights Programme. 'At this time when there's so much disruption in the world our artists will do what they do best and come together to imagine new pathways forward.' Atamira Dance Compan y will be presenting two unique showings within the festival under Kia Pohewatia their choreographic residency programme with Rachel Ruckstuhl-Mann (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Rangitāne) and Samara Reweti (Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Uenukukopako). Kia Pohewatia is dedicated to supporting Māori choreographers in developing new works. Through studio time, mentorship, and collaboration with Atamira artists, this residency offers a space for research, experimentation, and the early shaping of future projects. 'Kōanga is a time for nurturing fresh, new narratives, and Kia Pohewatia embodies this by providing a platform for Māori choreographers Rachel Ruckstuhl-Mann and Samara Reweti to dream, experiment, and share early-stage works that invite audiences into their evolving creative journeys. It will be exciting to witness these unfolding new offerings as they are shared with the public.' says Bianca Hyslop (Te Arawa, Ngāti Whakaue-kaipapa, Tūhourangi-Ngāti Wāhiao, Pākehā), Artistic Director of Atamira Dance Company. 13 Sept | Whānau Day (Free event) 14 Sept | Atamira Dance Company Presents: Kia Pohewatia with Rachel Ruckstuhl-Mann 19 - 21 Sept | 'What Happened To Mary-Anne?' - Brady Peeti 19 Sept | Play Readings Pōmere by Leigh Minarapa with 'Te Koha' & Ngahiriwa Rauhina with 'E Tau e' 20 Sept | Play Readings Pōhoroi by Lila Black with 'Strange Signals: Aliens in Aotearoa' & Zody Takurua with 'WHŌRE' 21 Sept | Te Arero Toi Reo Māori Playwrighting Wānanga and Atamira Dance Company Presents: Kia Pohewatia with Samara Reweti 'It will be a beautiful, big and audacious ten days at Te Pou - we look forward to seeing you there!' Amber Curreen.
India Today
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Aanand L Rai slams re-release of Raanjhanaa with AI-powered climax
12 years after its original release, the cult romantic drama 'Raanjhanaa' is returning to cinemas on August 1. But this time, the re-release comes with a major twist. As promotional posters declare, the film features 'a new ending powered by Artificial Intelligence.' However, this decision has sparked controversy, as director and co-producer Aanand L Rai claimed he was neither informed nor consulted by the studio, Eros International, before making such a significant change to the original an interview with SCREEN, Rai shared, 'I got to know through social media announcement a couple of days ago. People have already been messaging me asking me why that ending is being changed. I just can't wrap my head around this.'The filmmaker, disturbed by the unilateral move, contacted Eros International to express his objection. When his concerns were dismissed, he decided to formally request that his name be removed from the AI-altered version of the film. 'I don't get it. How can they do this? It's an ending people have loved! If not the filmmaker, at least listen to the audience,' he said. The AI-generated version reportedly rewrites the film's tragic ending by keeping Dhanush's character, Kundan, alive, a complete shift from the powerful, emotional climax that made the original so memorable.'What is a happy ending? It's a tragedy, that's an emotion. How can you meddle with emotions? The voice of the film lies in that ending," Rai added. He also raised concerns about the broader implications of using AI to alter creative works without the creator's permission. 'The only good thing that's come out of this is I've learnt my lesson. I've to be very careful while signing the dotted line. A studio doesn't care about the story. Just to earn a few crores, they're tampering with a writer, director, and actor's creation,' he said, warning fellow filmmakers to be cautious with their International has reportedly sold the new AI-edited version of 'Raanjhanaa' to Upswing Entertainment, a Tamil Nadu-based distributor. Rai suspects this move is a market test to gauge response in a region where his banner doesn't have a major presence. 'But if you commit a crime in Rome, it's still a crime! Even if you're releasing it in Tamil Nadu, where we don't have that much of a presence, but my actor does. And I'm responsible for what happens to his image there with my film,' he said, referring to Dhanush's popularity in the further stressed that this short-term business strategy could have long-term consequences for the studio, particularly with actors and audiences. 'They'll realise it soon, when the actors and the audience will get back to them. No actors would want to work with them now. Maybe they don't want to work with actors anymore. They plan to make films with AI only,' he remarked. Rai clarified he isn't against AI as a tool, but against its misuse. He himself is using AI-based tools for improving VFX in his upcoming film 'Tere Ishq Mein', starring Dhanush and Kriti Sanon. However, he believes using AI to alter completed artistic works is ethically wrong.'They say, AI is the future. Everybody knows that. But then use it for the future or for the present. Don't use it to distort the past! If you buy a portrait by an artist, you can add moustache to it, if you like. But you definitely can't resell that for commercial gain. Next thing we know, they may change the climax of Sholay (1975) by keeping both Jai (Amitabh Bachchan) and Veeru (Dharmendra) alive,' he released in 2013, 'Raanjhanaa' starred Dhanush and Sonam Kapoor and became known for its intense storytelling and emotional climax. In the original ending, Kundan (played by Dhanush) dies in a tragic turn of events, sacrificing himself for love.- Ends
