Tinder Is Preparing to Offer Background Checks on Potential Matches
Tinder users in the US will soon be able to conduct background checks on potential matches.
Parent company Match Group last year teamed up with Garbo to provide screening technology to the popular dating app. Little has come of the partnership—until now.
In a Wednesday blog post, Tinder announced a new trauma-informed approach to handling reports of serious abuse and harassment, promising to improve its products, educate its employees, and provide more survivor resources. Based on advice from anti-sexual violence organization RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), the platform aims to give members more choice, information, and support when they need it most.
That starts with new mandatory customer care training on how to better understand how survivors may respond to or describe sexual violence, as well as recognize and respond to serious reports using vague language.
"By adopting more trauma-informed support practices, Tinder will be better positioned to support members who may have experienced harm and take faster, more transparent action on bad actors," according to Clara Kim, vice president of consulting services at RAINN.
Updates to the Tinder app, meanwhile, include a more direct way to report someone, and the option to receive follow-up information about action taken on a complaint. "Not everyone will feel comfortable making a report, and there are a variety of different support options available in Tinder's Safety Center," the company said, highlighting its dedicated Crisis Text Line, and coming soon, access to background checks.
Founded in 2018 by Kathryn Kosmides, a survivor of gender-based violence, Garbo helps prevent dangerous situations by providing information about people before they connect. Its
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