Tinder is looking to protect its LGBTQ users.
Tinder has released a new statement about a new safety protection protocol and procedure. Now, Tinder users who travel and swipe will have their sexual orientations protected. The app will not divulge that information out to other users if the traveler is in “an unsafe country.” In addition, the app will give alerts to users when they open the app while abroad.
“We recognize and believe in the importance of being inclusive of all gender identities and sexual orientations, but the reality is this: nowhere in the world is without potential risk, and some countries have specific laws that target LGBTQ+ people.”
The app’s company warned users to be careful and conscious of the laws and political/social climates wherever they travel.
“Check out the laws around you when you travel to a new place and research what types of legal protection, if any, are available to you based on sexual orientation. In the event that you’re in unsafe territory, we suggest toggling off “Show me on Tinder” which you can find under the settings page,” said the app.
That said, the app isn’t taking any risks when it comes to protecting its users in dangerous areas.
“If you have added a sexual orientation to your profile and choose to be shown on Tinder, we will hide your sexual orientation from your profile until you leave that area,” the app added.
“It’s important to exercise extra caution if you choose to connect with new people in these countries – as some law enforcement have been known to use dating apps as tools for potential entrapment. Some countries have also recently introduced laws that criminalize communications between individuals on same-sex dating applications or websites and even aggravate penalties if that communication leads to sexual encounters.”
While the app didn’t explain how it will choose which countries are unsafe or not, it’s fair to assume that any countries with anti-gay sex laws, which are listed on ILGA World, will be considered. But there are plenty of counties that don’t ban homosexuality and aren’t safe either. For instance, Brazil has the highest number of reported crimes against LGBTQ people, yet gay marriage is legal there.
This all goes back to Tinder’s words of LGBTQ travelers needing to be careful and aware of the laws and atmosphere when traveling. But at the very least, Tinder is trying to help out with some of that problem.
