Month: November 2024

Texas Law Shields Tinder and OKCupid from Biometric Privacy Suit

Posted on November 4, 2024

Lawsuit dismissed
ID TECH – A federal judge in Dallas dismissed a biometric privacy lawsuit against Match Group, owner of Tinder and OKCupid, which alleged violations of the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) due to collecting user biometric data without proper consent. The case involved Tinder's 2020 photo verification feature using video selfies. Judge David C. Godbey ruled that Texas law was applied based on the apps' terms of service, which does not allow individuals to sue over biometric privacy like Illinois' BIPA.

See full article at ID Tech

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Bindr Wins $75K at UpPrize

Posted on November 4, 2024

Bindr logoLINKEDIN – Bindr, the bisexual dating app launched in Aug 2022, won $75K at the UpPrize: Social Innovation Challenge. The app, co-founded by Mary Richardson to improve queer representation in dating platforms, broke its 100K-user milestone earlier this year. The company aims to reach 1M users by next summer. In 2023, Richardson received the Women in Technology award from the Technology Council of Central Pennsylvania and was nominated for Forbes 30 Under 30. This funding will support Bindr's growth and ongoing efforts to serve the underrepresented LGBTQ+ community.

See full article at LinkedIn

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Tinder’s ‘RomCom’ Campaign Launches in Australia

Posted on November 4, 2024

Tinder's 'RomCom' CampaignCAMPAIGN BRIEF – Tinder's 'RomCom' campaign, part of the global 'It Starts With a Swipe' series by Akcelo and Amplify, has launched in Australia. Using TikTok content with local influencers, it humorously contrasts real-life romantic challenges with the ease of finding love on Tinder. Set in everyday locations, it shows Tinder simplifies making connections. The campaign runs until mid-November.

by Ricki Green
See full article at Campaign Brief

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Critics Compare Dating Apps to Gambling, Highlighting Exploitation and Addictive Features

Posted on November 4, 2024

Addicted to love how dating apps ‘exploit’ their users Online datingTHE GUARDIAN – Critics compare dating apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge to gambling products, arguing they exploit users with addictive, game-like features and pay-to-play upgrades that drive revenue instead of fostering genuine connections. In the UK, 4.4M adults use these platforms, with about a quarter paying for services, generating £150M annually and making the UK the third-largest market globally after the US and China. Match Group, which holds a 60% share of the UK market, does not track how many lasting relationships its 55B matches have produced. Allegations include deceptive algorithms that encourage continuous use and subscriptions. Experts compare these apps' financial models to gambling, using unpredictable rewards to keep users hooked. Match Group denies these claims, stating its goal is to help users form real connections. Calls for tighter regulation are increasing as users report feeling exploited.

by Siân Boyle
See full article at The Guardian

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Former Fluttr CEO Accused of Bullying Judged Diversity Awards Despite Allegations

Posted on November 4, 2024


Fluttr icon INDEPENDENT.CO.UK – Rhonda Alexander, former CEO of dating app Fluttr, who was accused of bullying and reducing staff to tears, served as a judge for an industry diversity and inclusion awards panel. Despite presenting herself as a champion for diversity and female leadership, an employment tribunal found her behavior "manipulative," ordering Fluttr's parent company to pay £97,361 in compensation to former executive Laura Cameron Peck. Complaints included Alexander's humiliating colleagues, eroding their confidence, and displaying aggressive behavior during meetings. The judging panel she served on has since disbanded, and Alexander now runs The Maven Group, a consultancy focused on growth and diversity.

by Athena Stavrou
See full article at Independent.co.uk

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China’s Marriage Rates Dip Further in 2024

Posted on November 4, 2024

Chinese marriagesREUTERS – China's marriage rates have continued to decline in 2024, despite government measures to boost the population. Data from the Ministry of Civil Affairs showed 4.747M marriages in the first nine months, down 943K from the same period in 2023. Economic uncertainty and high living costs have led many young couples to delay marriage.

See full article at Tribune

Bumble Expands Opening Moves Shortly After Launch

Posted on November 4, 2024

Bumble Opening moveMASHABLE – Since its launch in 2014, Bumble has been recognized as the dating app where only women can message first. However, with the rise of dating app fatigue and feedback from women about the pressure of initiating conversations, Bumble created a way for men to technically make the first move. Opening Moves, introduced in the spring, are prompts that only women can set for men to respond to. Today, Bumble expands this feature, allowing users to add up to three prompts for matches to choose from and even select a photo as an Opening Move.

by Anna Iovine
See full article at Mashable

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Reminder: LTR Edition 37 Happening This Wednesday, November 6th

Posted on November 4, 2024

LTR logo for social mediaOPW – Don't miss LTR (Love, Tech, Relationships) Edition 37 this Wednesday, November 6th, at 1pm EST (New York time). In this edition, we will hear from Dare Olatoye, co-founder and CEO of the dating app Trueflutter. He will discuss his experiences building Trueflutter and online dating in Africa. Then, Vanessa Panes, founder of Singles Events Manila, will talk about dating in the Philippines and its idiosyncrasies. 

If you hold a full-time leadership role at an Internet dating company, you are welcome to join IDEA for free and LTR events for free.

See the LTR Edition 37 speakers and invite page here

Email mark@courtlandbrooks.com to RSVP.

This LTR is kindly sponsored by ParshipMeet Group, RealMe, Dating Through Curiosity, along with Courtland Brooks and Matchmaker.com.

Social Discovery Group Predicts Virtual Relationships Will Shape the Future of Online Dating

Posted on November 1, 2024

Social Discovery Group logoPRESS RELEASE – Social Discovery Group predicts that virtual relationships will play a major role in the future of online dating. They recently introduced 360° VR video chat on Dating.com to simulate real-life interactions, catering to a rising demand for meaningful online connections. Their survey shows 89% of singles are open to relationships this winter, with a third interested in virtual-only relationships.

See full article at Ein Newswires

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Democrats Launch Six-Figure Grindr Ad Campaign to Mobilize LGBTQ+ Voters Against Project 2025

Posted on November 1, 2024

Grindr logo WASHINGTON BLADE – The Democratic National Committee (DNC) recently launched a six-figure ad campaign on Grindr, aiming to reach LGBTQ+ voters in swing states. This campaign, called "Project 2025," is a direct response to former President Donald Trump and his allies' stated plans, which the DNC argues could undermine LGBTQ+ rights if Republicans win in 2024.

by Christopher Kane
See full article at Washington Blade

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