Are you a Tinder user? You’ll now be able to check a potential date’s background to find out if they have a criminal record. Tinder’s parent company, Match Group, is investing in the platform of non-profit tech startup Garbo, which allows users to run a background check using a name and phone number or full name. The check will allow Tinder users to find out if their potential dates have arrest records or a history of violence.
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Tracey Breeden, Chief Security Officer at Match Group, said: “For too long, women and marginalized groups in every corner of the world have faced many barriers to resources and safety. We recognize that companies can play an important role in eliminating these barriers, through technology and real, active collaboration. In partnership with Match Group, Garbo’s thoughtful and innovative consumer background check will empower users with information, helping to create equitable pathways to safer connections and online communities in technology.”
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Garbo says it collects public records and reports of violence or abuse, including arrests, convictions, restraining orders, harassment and other violent crimes. It also notes that it accepts manually submitted police reports, protection/restraining orders and other legal documents related to abuse, harassment or other crimes. The New York-based company also notes that it does not make public charges related to drug possession or traffic violations.
As the British newspaper “Independent” reports, the background checks will not be free, while Match Group, which also owns dating apps OkCupid, Hinge and Martch , says it is working on a pricing structure with Garbo.
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Garbo was founded in 2018, and its CEO, Kathryn Kosmides, has experienced sexist violence.
Kosmides said: “Before Garbo, abusers could hide, and it was difficult to find public records and reports of their violence. Now it is much harder to hide. Being able to reach out to ‘underprivileged’ people is incredibly important to Garbo’s mission, and partnering with Match Group will help us connect with them.”
