The world’s largest dating app says protecting women from harassment is now “at the heart” of Tinder’s priorities.

The technology company has partnered with the No More (No More) organization to combat gender-based violence.

“Our security work never ends” announced for BBC Renate Nyborg, Tinder’s first female CEO.

However, they explained the measures taken by Tinder from the organization End Violence Against Women (Let’s End Violence Against Women): “little step” To address the disproportionate abuse women experience online.

Tinder has been widely criticized for the abuses women are subjected to through its service, and there are concerns that it is being used by sexual predators, among other similar practices.

more women

Nyborg, 36, explained that one of the measures taken to prevent violence against women is to hire more women in the company.

The board reported The company’s female staff increased by 30% Since taking over the reins of the company in September 2021.

“I believe it There is a difference between knowing something and living it. announced BBC.

“Like any woman, I can describe all the experiences I’ve had with men that I don’t want to have: from the way they talk to you, from the way they treat you, to what’s happened to them. when looking for a partner. I think all women have had very similar experiences and I think there is strength in unity,” she said.

rape threats

Andrea Simon, director of End Violence Against Women, said it’s imperative that dating apps like Tinder take action to combat abuse.

“Dating apps are a very popular way for people to meet,” he said, adding that “there are concerns.” abusers and predators use these apps to meet potential victims, This has resulted in increased reports of rape against women using these dating tools.

Simon hailed Tinder’s new security features, but warned that they “didn’t go so far as to address threats of abuse and rape.”

“Tech companies like Tinder leverage a business model that ignores the abuses their services facilitate. It is very important that they guarantee the safety of their users,” the activist concluded.

first attack

The partnership between Tinder and No More is expected to prevent abuse and threats against women through the dating app.

The alliance’s first move will be to produce a program to educate app users on safe dating.

No More will also train Tinder staff.

“We believe that Positive relationships begin with first contact. Literally from the very first message, the way you interact with someone can set the tone for the relationships you have.”

online appointment

Pamela Zaballa, managing director of No More, BBC “It’s very important that Tinder makes sure it not only warns its users about bad behavior but also educates them.”

“We understand the challenges women go through – that’s the crux of what we do – but I think security in general should be a top priority for Tinder and not just for women, but for anyone who uses the app,” added Zaballa.

Dating apps have no legal obligation to protect their users.

harmful messages

Tinder launched a number of security services last year. Thus, abusive and harmful messages are now automatically detected and asked to senders. “Are you sure?” (that you want to send an inappropriate text) and to the recipients “Does this bother you?” (which you just received).

“We’ve seen a 50% increase in the number of people reporting things they don’t like,” Nyborg told the magazine. BBC.

“Are you sure?” on his behalf helped reduce inappropriate messages by 10%, As shown by data from Match Group, which owns Tinder, Match.com, Meetic, OkCupid, Hinge, and Plenty of Fish.

“We have always invested in making our vehicles and technologies reliable and safe,” Nyborg said. Said.

“But ever since I became CEO, we’ve begun to build trust and security at the center of some of our advertising campaigns,” he said.

panic button

In the US, Tinder’s security hub offers background checks for couples, thanks to an alliance with the Garbo organization.

The National Rape, Abuse and Incest Network has developed a way to report ex-offenders who appear on the match list.

Users can also use panic button.

“We were very impressed with the acceptance of the validation,” Nyborg said.

“We saw in the months that he worked almost half of our affiliates make their own choices to verify themselves – The good thing about it is that it’s a security element,” he added.

But Derrian Douglas, a 24-year-old New Jersey native who met her boyfriend on Tinder, said the security features could have been better designed.

“Before I go on a date, I tell at least two friends where I’m going and I have to code words with them. I also activate the geolocation of WhatsApp: it’s quite a procedure,” he explained.

improper conduct

Investigation by a team from the area BBC for the documentary The Dangerous Secrets of Three Dating (Three Secrets About Dangerous Dating) returned the following statistics:

• 37% of dating app users have reported someone for inappropriate behavior.
• 63% were annoyed by a date initiated via a dating app.
• 33% experienced harassment or abuse during these dates.

Many young women worry about meeting people in real life “Especially when they’re invited to ‘Netflix and chill out’ and things like that,” said dating coach Alexis Germany.

To ensure their safety, Germany has offered the following list of recommendations to users of Tinder and other dating apps:

• Meet in a public area on the first date.
• Don’t let anyone call you to get you.
• Never give out personal information that identifies you, such as your address.
• Let someone you know where you’re going.
• Enable location services on your phone.