Dating apps like Tinder, Bumble and Coffee Meets Bagel are seeing an increase in user activity during the coronavirus pandemic. FOX Business’ Kristina Partsinevelos and more.
Tinder’s parent company, the Match Group, will implement background testing technology in the popular dating app before extending it to the rest of its relationship platforms.
To make this selection feature available to users, the Match Group has announced that it will partner with Garbo, a women-based platform designed to “proactively prevent gender-based violence in the digital age.”
70,000 PHOTOS OF FEMALE TINDER USERS JOIN CYBERCRIME FORUM: REPORT
Garbo’s background check feature will only be integrated on Tinder later this year. According to the Match Group, these background checks collect public records and documented cases of violence or abuse, including arrests, convictions, restraining orders, harassment and other violent crimes.
“For too long, women and marginalized groups in all corners of the world have faced many barriers to resources and security,” said Tracey Breeden, head of security and social advocacy.
“We realize that enterprises can play a key role in removing the barriers to technology and true collaboration rooted in action,” she added. “In partnership with Match Group, Garbo’s thoughtful and groundbreaking investigation into consumer background will enable and empower users, helping to create equitable paths to safer connections and online communities in technology.”
TINDER ADDING VIDEO CHAT FUNCTION AS CORONAVIRUS FORCES MORE ONLINE DATING
While Garbo’s background check function reports some documented crimes, the Match Group’s press release reiterates that the third – party platform is focused on exposing violent behavior in the past.
Non-violent arrests related to drug possession and traffic offenses will be excluded from background checks. This policy is being implemented as a result of Garbo’s close cooperation with racial equality and gender equality groups, which have highlighted inequalities in the criminal justice system for marginalized people.
DATING APPS BLOOD IN THE MIDDLE OF CORONAVIRUS PANDEMY AS SOME PEOPLE GET SERIOUS
“Before Garbo, abusers could hide behind expensive, hard-to-find public records and reports of their violence; it’s a lot harder now, ”Garbo founder and CEO Kathryn Kosmides said in the release. “To be able to achieve Garbo’s mission to reach historically disadvantaged populations, and the partnership with Match will help us connect with these communities.”
Similarly, Match Group Advisory Council member Natalie Ludaway said that partnering with Garbo is a real, meaningful step to give people access to information that can help make a real difference in their safety decisions. “
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO by clicking here
| Ticker | Safety | Last | Alter | Alter% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTCH | MATCH GROUP, INC. | 153.93 | +0.55 | + 0.36% |
Garbo’s background check technology will be added to the rest of the Match Group’s digital properties, including dating platforms such as Match.com, Hinge, Ok Cupid, Our Time, Plenty of Fish, Meetic and Pairs.
It is not clear whether the background check feature will be a cost to Tinder users and other Match Group subscribers. As a separate entity, Garbo offers a low-cost background test. Further details will be provided in the next few months.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT FOX BUSINESS
According to Statista, the Match Group apparently had 10.9 million users who paid a subscription in the fourth quarter of 2020.