Investigation Reveals Tinder, Hinge, and Match Group’s Handling of Alleged Abuse

A recent investigation by The Markup has uncovered disturbing patterns of behavior by the parent company of Tinder, Hinge, OKCupid, and other dating apps, including Match Group. The investigation found that Match Group has failed to effectively address reports of alleged abuse and harassment on its platforms, allowing perpetrators to continue using the apps.

Case Study: Stephen Matthews, the Cardiologist

One such case involves Stephen Matthews, a Colorado-based cardiologist who was repeatedly reported for drugging or raping his dates on Match’s platforms. Despite these reports, his Tinder profile was given Standout status, reserved for popular profiles, and he remained on the platform for over two years. It wasn’t until one of his survivors went to the police that he was finally removed from the platform. Matthews was eventually sentenced to 158 years to life in prison.

Internal Company Documents and the Failure of Sentinel

According to internal company documents cited in the investigation, Match Group has been aware of user reports of assault, drugging, or rape since 2016. In 2019, the company’s central database, Sentinel, began recording each user reported for these crimes. However, the system was reportedly ineffective and easy to game. Users could evade bans by signing up with different contact information, and information on IP addresses, photos, and birthdate were not used to ban a user if they appeared on another Match dating app.

Lack of Transparency and Accountability

The investigation found that Match Group has failed to provide transparency on its approach to addressing abuse on its platforms. In 2020, the company stated it would release a transparency report, but it has still not been released. The company has also failed to provide information on its process for handling reports of abuse, despite requests from Congress and other organizations.

Insiders’ Concerns and the Failure to Improve Safety

In 2021, Match Group made public promises to increase safety on its platforms, but company insiders told researchers that it hasn’t improved. The company has also been criticized for its approach to trust and safety, with some employees expressing concerns about the potential dangers of focusing too much on metrics.

Outsourcing Trust and Safety to Overseas Workers

In 2024, Match Group cut its remaining central trust-and-safety team, outsourcing the positions overseas. This move has been criticized by some, who have expressed concerns about the potential for a lack of training and oversight in these positions.

Conclusion

The investigation by The Markup has shed light on the failure of Match Group to effectively address reports of abuse on its platforms. The company’s lack of transparency and accountability has allowed perpetrators to continue using the apps, and its focus on metrics has raised concerns about the potential dangers of its approach to trust and safety.