Match Group, the parent company of popular dating apps like Tinder, Match.com, Hinge, and Plenty of Fish, is discontinuing the safety measures it implemented in response to reports of sex offenders using their platforms. Two years ago, Match Group partnered with digital-safety platform Garbo to conduct background checks on dating app users. However, Match Group has now ended its partnership with Garbo, leaving users uncertain about future safety measures.
Garbo’s tool allowed users to run limited free screenings on potential suitors, providing information on violence, past arrests, convictions, and restraining orders. The reasons for the partnership dissolution are unclear, but Garbo stated that it will focus on future projects that align with its mission, vision, and values.
Garbo CEO Kathryn Kosmides implied that Match Group’s lack of support and initiative led to the breakdown of the partnership. She also expressed concerns about trust and safety being seen as mere PR by most tech companies. Match Group is currently exploring alternative providers for safety measures and aims to announce a new partnership soon.
Garbo, which operates as a nonprofit organization, plans to continue serving its users until the end of the month when it will shift back to being volunteer-run. Protection will always be a priority for Garbo, according to Kosmides.
Dating apps have faced increased scrutiny due to reports of sexual assaults and predators targeting victims through these platforms. A study revealed that 14% of sexual assaults occurred after meeting on a dating app. Garbo’s safety features were initially introduced on Tinder, allowing users to conduct background checks and access public reports on violence and criminal records.
The victims of these attacks often had mental illnesses, making them more susceptible to manipulation by predators. College students are particularly vulnerable to being targeted. Despite the partnership between Garbo and Match Group, safety measures on dating apps were deemed inadequate in 2022.
In conclusion, Match Group’s decision to end its partnership with Garbo raises concerns about the future safety of dating app users. Garbo plans to continue its mission of protecting users but will need to rely on volunteers without the support of Match Group.
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