Tinder will help users swipe left on people with criminal records

Dallas, Texas - Tinder will warn users ahead of time if their date has a troubling past.

Tinder is one of the most popular dating apps amongst smart phone users (stock image).
Tinder is one of the most popular dating apps amongst smart phone users (stock image).  © 123rf/Peter Ksinan

Swiping for matches while using the app can be a search for The One or an amusing game. The app has tracked over one billion swipes daily and has been known to lead to everything from hot one-night stands to committed relationships.

Tinder's own social media bio reads "hey, u up?" in a playful nod to its hookup culture.

But the frisky fun can turn into risky business when meeting up with a stranger who has a dark past.

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The online dating world can become filled with stalking, harassment, and sexual violence. It actively bans users who make fake profiles to bait daters and violate its terms of service.

In some extreme cases, Tinder meet-ups have led to horrific murders.

Now, the app says they are offering a new service that arms users with more info on their matches.

Tinder's parent company Match Group plans to introduce background checks on the app by partnering with the non-profit organization Garbo.

Users can easily verify whether potential partners have a criminal record.

Garbo said their mission is to prevent gender-based violence by making public records accessible to everyone.

All that's required is a first name and a phone number, making it easy to get info from the limited personal details the app reveals.

"We have no way of knowing if someone has a history of violence until it's too late," Garbo said.

The feature will launch later this year

It is unclear how much the background checks will cost and whether they will be an added-on fee or part of Tinder's premium user subscription package.

The app will not disclose all criminal offenses in their search results – leaving out traffic violations and drug possessions, which disproportionately affect people of color, Garbo said.

Tinder also recently launched a panic button through the app to make daters feel safer if a romantic situation turns threatening.

Tinder plans to launch the background check feature later this year and hopes that users who uncover a dater's alarming history can turn red flags into stop signs.

Cover photo: 123rf/Peter Ksinan

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