‘Lax dating app security making kids vulnerable’

DATING apps Tinder and Grindr are being questioned over their age verification requirements after several child abuse cases have come to light.

“Lax controls on apps used by millions, such as Tinder and Grindr, are giving sexual predators and paedophiles easy access to children,” Britain’s The Sunday Times wrote.

About 30 incidents of child rape have been investigated since 2015 in the UK alone.

“Documents reveal 60 further cases of child sex offences via online dating services, including grooming, kidnapping and violent sexual assault,” the report said on Monday.

A person 18 years or older cannot see Tinder profiles of users aged 17 and under. Similarly teenagers can view only profiles within the 13 to 17 age group, information available in the public domain suggests.

The report, however, raised questions on the security of app users on such popular dating sites.

“We are consistently evaluating and refining our processes to prevent underage access, and will always work with law enforcement, where possible, to protect our users as well,”

The Verge quoted a Tinder spokesperson as saying. “We don’t want minors on Tinder. Period.”

The dating companies said they had been using algorithmic and human screening tools to keep children from using their apps.

“We are saddened to learn of the reports,” a Grindr spokesperson said.

“Grindr is committed to creating a safe and secure environment to help our community connect and thrive and any account of sexual abuse or other illegal behaviour is troubling as well as a clear violation of our terms of service. We are constantly working to improve our tools.”

Launched in 2012, Tinder has 57 million users across the world and Grindr, founded as a gay dating app in 2009, has 27 million users. | IANS