TAMPA BAY INNO – Tampa's Weaver dating app, which matches users based on core values through a quiz, initially aimed for local growth. However, after an endorsement from an Instagram influencer, the app saw a surge in demand, prompting its expansion nationwide. While the move was risky due to the lack of concentrated users in every city, founder Mara Rudolph and CTO Matt Spaulding decided to adapt their strategy. Influencer promotions played a significant role in its growth. Currently, the app boasts over 1K users, with plans to continue its organic city-by-city expansion.
Month: October 2023
New Jersey Woman Sues Tinder Over Flawed Photo Verification
NJ.COM – A woman from New Jersey is suing Tinder with a class action lawsuit, asserting that the dating app's photo verification system is flawed and has allowed scammers to use her images for "verified" fake accounts. She registered on Tinder in 2018 and was banned the following year without clear reasons. In 2022, she was alerted by a friend about a "verified" Tinder profile using her photos under the name "Gloria." The lawsuit alleges that Tinder's photo verification only matches stolen public images to other such images, without truly verifying the user's identity. This enables scammers to deceive genuine users. The woman argues that she and others have suffered reputational damages. The lawsuit is filed under New Jersey's Consumer Fraud Act on behalf of all Tinder users in the state. One of the attorneys who filed the suit, Todd Friedman, of California, reached a $24M settlement with Tinder after accusing the dating app of age discrimination.
Dutch Regulator Rejects Apple’s Objections to Fines
REUTERS – Dutch competition watchdog ACM has rejected objections by Apple against fines of 50M euros ($53M) it gave the company over failure to comply with orders to limit the dominant position of Apple's App Store. The ACM said Apple has complied with most of its demands to open its App Store to alternative forms of payment for dating apps in the Netherlands, but had not met an undisclosed third element of the conditions related to the fines.
€5,8M Fine for Grindr – Appeal by Grindr Failed
NOYB – Grindr faced a €5.8M fine by the Norwegian Data Protection Authority for violating user privacy, and its appeal against this fine has failed. Grindr was accused in 2020 by the Norwegian Consumer Council of sharing sensitive user data illegally with third parties for advertising. The failure of Grindr's appeal serves as a stern warning to all companies on the ramifications of unauthorized personal data sharing and underscores the urgency for the digital advertising industry to reform its practices and uphold consumer rights.
SciMatch – AI Dating App That Uses Facial Analysis to Find Matches
WALL STREET JOURNAL – SciMatch, a dating app launched in 2022, uses AI to analyze faces to deduce personality traits and suggest compatible matches, focusing on both similarities and differences in personality. Developed by sisters with degrees in data science and compute science Yanina and Viktoryia Strylets and inspired by research, it claims over 70% accuracy in predicting big five personality traits. However, some experts question its effectiveness, emphasizing that true compatibility requires face-to-face interaction. The app, with 5K active monthly users, offers free services with optional paid extras and has facilitated several successful matches, with users vouching for its accuracy.
Traditional Matchmaking Thrives: Willie Daly’s Legacy in Ireland’s Lisdoonvarna Festival
BBC – The Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival in Ireland has been connecting singles for 170 years, making it Europe's largest singles festival. It takes place each September and attracts a mixture of people. Willie Daly, a third-generation matchmaker, has been instrumental in maintaining this tradition. Throughout his 60-year career, he claims to have matched over 3K couples, focusing on the importance of love in life. Attendees of the festival not only find romantic connections but also form friendships, with many returning annually.