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Tinder to add background checks, improved tools to report abuse

The popular dating app will be rolling out new features aimed at keeping daters safe.

Erin Carson Former Senior Writer
Erin Carson covered internet culture, online dating and the weird ways tech and science are changing your life.
Expertise Erin has been a tech reporter for almost 10 years. Her reporting has taken her from the Johnson Space Center to San Diego Comic-Con's famous Hall H. Credentials
  • She has a master's degree in journalism from Syracuse University.
Erin Carson
Signage at Tinder headquarters
AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

Background checks are coming to Tinder, the company said in a blog post Wednesday. People using the dating app will have access to background checks on their matches through a nonprofit called Garbo, which Tinder's parent company, Match Group, acquired in 2021.

Along with background checks, Tinder is also reportedly getting other safety updates. There will be internal training on how to support those on the app who have dealt with sexual abuse and harassment, according to the post. In addition, they will have a "more direct way" to report someone and get follow up information, if they choose, among other changes.

"Our members are trusting us with an incredibly sensitive and vulnerable part of their lives, and we believe we have a responsibility to support them through every part of this journey, including when they have bad experiences on and off the app," said Tracey Breeden, vice president of safety and social advocacy for Tinder and Match Group, in a statement.

The updates come as dating apps have faced increased scrutiny for how much responsibility they bear in keeping daters safe and in taking action when daters report sexual abuse and assault. 

In December 2020, Match Group began a partnership with the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, or RAINN, in order to audit its practices.