An Analysis of Top 10 Dating Sites and Their Measures Against Stalking, Including Legal Challenges

By Mario Figeroux

Online dating has revolutionized the way people connect, making it easier to meet potential partners. However, it also brings risks, including stalking and harassment. This analysis examines the top 10 dating sites where many users, particularly women, are victims of stalking. It explores the measures these companies are taking to protect their users and discusses any pending lawsuits against these services at the federal or state level. Read more at www.askthelawyer.us. To read the full analysis in our publication, click here, and on our divorce blog, click here.

1. Tinder

Overview

Tinder, launched in 2012, is one of the most popular dating apps globally, known for its swipe-based matching system.

Stalking Incidents

Tinder has faced numerous reports of stalking and harassment. Users have reported persistent unwanted contact and threats from matches.

Protective Measures

• Block and Report Features: Users can easily block and report profiles that engage in harassment.
• Photo Verification: A blue checkmark indicates verified profiles, reducing the presence of fake profiles.
• Safety Tips: Tinder provides safety tips and encourages users to meet in public places for the first few dates.
• Emergency Assistance: Integration with Noonlight in the U.S. allows users to share details about their dates and trigger emergency services if needed.

Legal Challenges

Tinder has faced lawsuits regarding user safety. In 2020, Match Group, Tinder’s parent company, was sued for allegedly failing to protect users from sexual predators.

2. Bumble

Overview

Bumble, founded in 2014, differentiates itself by allowing women to make the first move in heterosexual matches.

Stalking Incidents

Despite its female-first approach, Bumble users have reported stalking and harassment, often moving from the app to other social media platforms.

Protective Measures

• Block and Report: Bumble provides options to block and report abusive users.
• Photo Verification: Users can verify their photos to reduce fake profiles.
• Profile Moderation: Bumble employs moderators to review reports of harassment and inappropriate behavior.
• Private Detector: An AI tool that detects and blurs inappropriate images, allowing users to decide if they want to view them.

Legal Challenges

Bumble has faced fewer legal challenges than some competitors but continues to work on improving user safety in response to ongoing concerns.

3. OkCupid

Overview

OkCupid, founded in 2004, is known for its detailed questionnaires to match users based on compatibility.

Stalking Incidents

OkCupid users have reported incidents of stalking and harassment, including unwanted messages and threats.

Protective Measures

• Blocking and Reporting: Users can block and report offenders directly through the app.
• Privacy Settings: OkCupid allows users to control who can see their profiles and interact with them.
• Profile Moderation: The platform has moderators who review and remove inappropriate content and profiles.
• Safety Center: OkCupid provides resources and tips on how to stay safe while dating online.

Legal Challenges

OkCupid has faced criticism and legal scrutiny over user safety. Match Group, which owns OkCupid, has been included in broader lawsuits against its parent company concerning user safety.

4. Plenty of Fish (POF)

Overview

Plenty of Fish, founded in 2003, is a free dating service that attracts a large and diverse user base.

Stalking Incidents

POF has been criticized for its high incidence of fake profiles and reports of stalking and harassment.

Protective Measures

• Blocking and Reporting: Users can block and report abusive profiles.
• Enhanced Profile Verification: POF has implemented photo verification to reduce the presence of fake profiles.
• Safety Tips: The platform offers safety tips and encourages users to report any suspicious activity.

Legal Challenges

POF, as part of Match Group, has faced lawsuits related to user safety and allegations of failing to protect users from predators.

5. Match.com

Overview

Match.com, launched in 1995, is one of the oldest and most well-known online dating services.

Stalking Incidents

Match.com users have reported stalking and harassment, including persistent unwanted contact and threats.

Protective Measures

• Block and Report Features: Users can block and report profiles that engage in harassment.
• Profile Moderation: Match.com employs moderators to review and remove inappropriate content.
• Safety Tips: The platform provides extensive safety tips and encourages users to meet in public places.

Legal Challenges

Match.com has faced lawsuits for allegedly failing to protect users from sexual predators and for inadequate screening of profiles.

6. eHarmony

Overview

eHarmony, founded in 2000, is known for its compatibility matching system based on extensive questionnaires.

Stalking Incidents

eHarmony has received reports of stalking and harassment, though at lower rates compared to some other platforms.

Protective Measures

• Blocking and Reporting: eHarmony allows users to block and report offenders.
• Profile Moderation: The platform uses moderators to review profiles and remove inappropriate content.
• Safety Tips: eHarmony provides safety tips and guidelines for users to follow.

Legal Challenges

eHarmony has faced lawsuits, including a class-action lawsuit in 2019 for allegedly failing to protect users from fraud and harassment.

7. Hinge

Overview

Hinge, launched in 2012, markets itself as the dating app “designed to be deleted” by focusing on long-term relationships.

Stalking Incidents

Hinge users have reported incidents of stalking, particularly after exchanging personal information.

Protective Measures

• Block and Report Features: Users can block and report profiles for harassment or inappropriate behavior.
• Profile Verification: Hinge uses photo verification to reduce fake profiles.
• Safety Tips: The app offers safety tips and encourages users to report any suspicious activity.

Legal Challenges

Hinge, part of Match Group, has been included in broader lawsuits against the parent company regarding user safety.

8. Grindr

Overview

Grindr, launched in 2009, is a dating app primarily for gay, bisexual, and transgender people.

Stalking Incidents

Grindr has faced significant criticism for incidents of stalking, harassment, and even physical harm due to the app’s geolocation features.

Protective Measures

• Block and Report Features: Users can block and report abusive profiles.
• Privacy Controls: Grindr has enhanced privacy controls, allowing users to hide their distance and profile information.
• Safety Tips: The app provides safety tips specifically tailored for LGBTQ+ users.

Legal Challenges

Grindr has faced multiple lawsuits, including claims that the app failed to protect users from harassment and physical harm.

9. Zoosk

Overview

Zoosk, launched in 2007, uses behavioral matchmaking technology to connect users.

Stalking Incidents

Zoosk users have reported stalking and harassment, particularly persistent unwanted contact.

Protective Measures

• Block and Report Features: Users can block and report offenders directly through the app.
• Profile Verification: Zoosk uses photo verification to ensure profile authenticity.
• Safety Tips: The platform offers safety tips and encourages users to meet in public places.

Legal Challenges

Zoosk has faced legal challenges related to user safety and the presence of fake profiles.

10. Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB)

Overview

Coffee Meets Bagel, launched in 2012, focuses on quality over quantity by providing a limited number of matches each day.

Stalking Incidents

CMB users have reported stalking and harassment, though at lower rates compared to larger platforms.

Protective Measures

• Block and Report Features: Users can block and report profiles for harassment.
• Profile Moderation: CMB employs moderators to review and remove inappropriate content.
• Safety Tips: The app provides safety tips and encourages users to report any suspicious activity.

Legal Challenges

CMB has faced fewer legal challenges compared to some competitors but continues to work on improving user safety in response to ongoing concerns.

Measures to Protect Users

Improved User Verification

Most dating platforms have implemented photo verification processes to ensure that profiles are genuine. This reduces the likelihood of encountering fake profiles and helps to build trust among users.

Enhanced Privacy Controls

Dating apps have improved privacy controls, allowing users to hide their location, control who sees their profile, and limit the sharing of personal information. These features help protect users from unwanted attention and potential stalking.

Blocking and Reporting Features

All major dating platforms provide options for users to block and report profiles that engage in harassment or inappropriate behavior. These features are crucial for users to manage their interactions and feel safe on the platform.

Moderation and Content Review

Many dating services employ moderators to review reports of harassment and inappropriate content. This proactive approach helps to maintain a safe environment for users.

Safety Tips and Resources

Dating apps often provide safety tips and resources to educate users on how to protect themselves while using the platform. These tips typically include advice on meeting in public places, not sharing personal information too quickly, and recognizing signs of predatory behavior.

Pending Lawsuits and Legal Challenges

Several dating platforms have faced lawsuits related to user safety, often centered around claims that they failed to protect users from harassment, fraud, or physical harm. Notable legal challenges include:

• Match Group Lawsuits: Match Group, which owns several major dating platforms (Tinder, OkCupid, Plenty of Fish, Hinge), has faced multiple lawsuits alleging that it failed to protect users from sexual predators and failed to conduct adequate background checks.
• Grindr Lawsuits: Grindr has faced lawsuits related to user safety, including claims that the app’s geolocation features exposed users to stalking and physical harm.
• eHarmony Class-Action Lawsuit: In 2019, eHarmony faced a class-action lawsuit alleging that the platform failed to protect users from fraud and harassment.

Conclusion

Online dating platforms have transformed the way people meet and connect, but they also bring significant risks, particularly regarding stalking and harassment. While many dating services have implemented measures to protect users, including improved verification processes, enhanced privacy controls, and robust reporting features, challenges remain. Legal challenges and lawsuits highlight the ongoing need for these platforms to prioritize user safety and continuously improve their protective measures.

As online dating continues to grow, it is essential for dating services to balance accessibility and convenience with robust safety protocols. By doing so, they can create safer environments where users can confidently seek connections without fearing for their safety.