A recent investigation by The Markup reveals significant failures by Match Group, the parent company of popular dating apps like Tinder, Hinge, and OkCupid, in addressing reports of sexual assault on its platforms.
Over an 18-month period, the investigation uncovered that numerous users reported for serious offenses, including drugging and assaulting their dates, remained active on the apps. One notable case involved a Colorado cardiologist, Stephen Matthews, who faced multiple allegations from women on Match’s platforms. Despite these reports, his profile was even granted ‚Standout‘ status, a designation intended for popular profiles.
Matthews was not removed from Tinder until two months after a survivor reported him to the police. Following this, Match Group showed a lack of urgency in complying with a search warrant issued to Hinge, taking seven months to respond. Ultimately, Matthews was sentenced to 158 years to life in prison.
Internal Awareness and System Failures
Since 2016, Match Group has been aware of users reported for sexual violence. In 2019, the company implemented a central database named Sentinel to track these reports. However, insiders indicated that the system was ineffective, allowing users to circumvent bans easily by creating new accounts with different information.
Reports suggest that many users exploited this loophole, with online tutorials available for evading bans on Match-owned apps. The investigation confirmed that the system did not utilize key identifiers such as IP addresses and photos to prevent repeat offenders from accessing different platforms.
Lack of Transparency and Accountability
In 2020, Match Group promised to release a transparency report regarding safety concerns, but it has yet to materialize. Congressional inquiries into the company’s processes following reports of sexual violence have also gone unanswered.
Despite public commitments to enhance safety, insiders claim that little has changed. A 2021 presentation to employees raised questions about the company’s willingness to disclose information beyond legal requirements.
Outsourcing Safety Measures
In 2022, Match Group partnered with background check company Garbo, but this partnership ended the following year, with Garbo citing a lack of genuine commitment to user safety from online platforms. In 2024, Match Group further reduced its safety team by outsourcing roles overseas, raising concerns about the adequacy of training and oversight.
While Match Group has stated its commitment to fostering safer online communities, the findings from this investigation highlight significant gaps in their approach to user safety.
For more details, visit the source: Engadget.