Technology
Tinder will let you run ‘background checks’ on your dates to discover criminal records or ‘violent history’
TINDER is getting a new feature that will let users background check a potential date.
All Match Group-owned apps will be getting a similar safety feature.
The feature is being added to try and improve user safety[/caption]
Match Groups owns the dating apps Hinge, Tinder, Match and OkCupid.
The company recently revealed its made a deal with background check platform Garbo.
Of all the apps, Tinder will be the first to get the Garbo tech.
Unfortunately, the feature won’t be free,
The feature will rely on tech from Garbo[/caption]
There’s no clear set date for when the feature will go live and which countries will receive it.
It’s likely to rollout in the US first.
We’ve reached out to Tinder to clarify its availability.
Garbo collects public records of things like violence and arrests.
The aim is to help people feel safer when choosing a potential partner or deciding whether to go on a date.
Things like drug charges and speeding tickets are not picked up by Garbo.
Tracey Breeden, Head of Safety and Social Advocacy for Match Group, said: “For far too long women and marginalized groups in all corners of the world have faced many barriers to resources and safety.
“We recognize corporations can play a key role in helping remove those barriers with technology and true collaboration rooted in action.
“In partnership with Match Group, Garbo’s thoughtful and groundbreaking consumer background check will enable and empower users with information, helping create equitable pathways to safer connections and online communities across tech.”
HOW TO STAY SAFE ON TINDER
Never give out personal information such as social security numbers, credit card numbers, bank information, or work or home addresses.
Never respond to any request to send money, especially overseas or via wire transfer.
Keep conversations on the platform as ‘bad actors’ will try to move the conversation to text, personal email or phone conversations.
Block and report suspicious accounts.
Before meeting anyone in person, get to know users online while using the app.
Meeting up
When meeting up, always meet the person in a populated, public place – never in a private or remote location, and never at your home or apartment.
If your date pressures you, end the date and leave at once.
Tell family & friends
It’s also important to tell friends or family members of your plans and when and where you’re going.
Make sure you have your cell phone charged and with you at all times.
Organise your own transportation, especially in case things don’t work out.
Stay sober
Stay sober during the date as consumption of alcohol and/or other drugs can impair your judgement and potentially put you in danger.
It’s important to keep a clear mind and avoid anything that might place you at risk and keep an eyes on drinks which could be spiked with synthetic substances.
In the event that you feel in an unsafe territory, toggle off the “Show me on Tinder” function found under the settings page.
Most read in Phones & Gadgets
In other news, Google is under fire for harvesting internet data of users browsing in Incognito Mode.
WhatsApp will block older iPhones with its new update.
And, Apple analysts are speculating that the iPhone 13 may never come to market.
Do you use Tinder? Let us know in the comments…
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Tech & Science team? Email us at tech@the-sun.co.uk
