OPW – Geoff Cook and Catherine Cook, the co-founders of The Meet Group are speaking at the Mobile Strategies Conference on Nov 5-6th. Looks like an interesting 2-day conference, covering AI & Mobile Growth. See agenda (scroll down).
Month: October 2025
Apple Is Cracking Down on Viral ‘Tea’ Apps, Citing Persistent Privacy Concerns
BUSINESS INSIDER – Apple has removed the Tea and TeaOnHer apps from the App Store after ongoing privacy and moderation issues. The anonymous dating review apps faced backlash following major data breaches that exposed users’ selfies, IDs, and messages. Despite Apple’s repeated warnings, the developers failed to meet safety standards. TeaOnHer’s founder said his team added AI filters and anti-bullying tools but called Apple’s decision disappointing.
See full article at Business Insider
Tinder Will Require New Users in the US to Verify Their Identity With a Selfie
TECH CRUNCH – Tinder is expanding its Face Check facial verification feature across the U.S. to combat fake profiles and improve user safety. The tool requires new users to submit a short video selfie, creating a 3D face scan to confirm identity and prevent duplicate accounts. Verified users receive a badge, and Tinder retains an encrypted “face map” for ongoing fraud detection. Already active in California, Canada, Colombia, Australia, India, and parts of Southeast Asia, Face Check will reach more U.S. states soon and other Match Group apps in 2026. Early results show a 60% drop in exposure to “bad actors” and 40% fewer reports.
See full article at Tech Crunch
Bumble Launches Revamped BFF App Focused on Community and Real-Life Friendships
THE EVERY GIRL – Bumble has relaunched its friend-finding platform as a standalone BFF app, completely separate from its dating app. Built on Geneva, the community platform Bumble acquired in 2023, the new version focuses on group connections, community building, and improved safety. The app lets users join or create interest-based groups, like yoga, reading, or thrifting, chat with locals, and plan real-life meetups directly within the app using its new “Plans” feature.
See full article at The Every Girl
MFE Takes Control of ProSiebenSat.1 After €1.8B Takeover in September 2025
REUTERS – MFE-MediaForEurope, owned by Italy’s Berlusconi family, has taken tighter control of the German TV group ProSiebenSat.1 after buying more than 75% of its shares in a €1.8B deal. MFE has now made Marco Giordani, a longtime top executive and close aide to Pier Silvio Berlusconi, the new CEO of ProSiebenSat.1. He will also keep his job as CFO at MFE for now. The goal is to turn the company around by focusing on its main TV business and selling off side ventures, such as e-commerce and dating platforms, to reduce debt. The current CEO Bert Habets, CFO Martin Mildner, and COO Markus Breitenecker are all leaving, and Bob Rajan will temporarily take over as CFO. MFE wants to build a strong European TV group that can better compete with big streaming services like Netflix and YouTube.
Norwegian Court Upholds €5.5M Fine Against Grindr for Illegal Data Sharing
FORBRUKERRADET – Grindr’s appeal against a 65M NOK (€5.5M) fine has been rejected by Norway’s Court of Appeal, confirming that Grindr illegally shared users’ personal data with advertisers in violation of the GDPR. The case began in 2020 after the Norwegian Consumer Council (NCC) revealed Grindr’s data-sharing with multiple commercial partners. NCC’s Director of Digital Policy, Finn Lützow-Holm Myrstad, welcomed the ruling, calling it a “strong signal” to the digital advertising industry. He urged companies to end uncontrolled data tracking and profiling, warning that misuse of such information can manipulate voters, exploit vulnerable users, and endanger minorities.
Spencer Rascoff’s Fast-Track Strategy to Win Back Gen Z
BUSINESS INSIDER – Tinder is undergoing a major cultural and structural overhaul under Match Group’s new CEO, Spencer Rascoff, as it struggles to regain momentum with Gen Z. After years of slowing growth, just 1% in 2024 and a 7% drop in paying users, Rascoff took direct control of Tinder, flattened its hierarchy, cut staff, and pushed for smaller, faster-moving teams operating like mini start-ups. Weekly product launches replaced twice-monthly updates, and Rascoff introduced a “ship ship ship” culture focused on user outcomes rather than revenue targets. The reset centers on winning back Gen Z, who make up about 60% of Tinder’s 50M monthly users but are increasingly disenchanted with dating apps. To counter this, Tinder has launched features such as College Mode, face verification, and Double Date. The company is also using AI tools to boost user confidence rather than replace human connection. Rascoff’s strategy is to make Tinder faster, leaner, and more collaborative while shifting its image from a hookup app to one that fosters safer, more meaningful interactions.
See full article at Business Insider
Happn Survey Reveals the Mental Load Behind Modern First Dates
ELLE – According to a Happn survey, first dates carry a real mental load, especially for women. 58% say the first meeting is decisive for what follows, and 48% feel anxious beforehand; 15% have postponed and 10% have canceled because of stress. Among 18–25s, 45% report intense pre-date stress, and roughly one in two young women worry about how they’ll be judged. This pressure fuels over-planning – outfits, topics, venues – which strips away spontaneity. The healthier move is to pick a familiar place, accept small imperfections, and prioritize authenticity so the date feels lighter and more natural.
See full article at Elle
Milian Technology, Live-Streaming Matchmaking Platform, Files for HK IPO
36KR – China’s online dating industry is expanding rapidly, driven by ~300M single adults and a market worth over one billion yuan. Milian Technology, operator of dating apps Yidui and Tietie, has filed for a Hong Kong IPO after building a user base of ~10M through a “human matchmaker + live streaming” model that targets users outside major cities. Its approach replaces swipe-based matching with guided video sessions moderated by professional matchmakers, monetized through digital gifts and premium features.
See full article at 36Kr
Romance Fraud up 9% in the UK, FCA Urges Better Online Safeguards
PYMNTS – Reports of romance fraud in the UK rose 9% in 2024–2025, costing victims ~106M, according to a new review by the Financial Conduct Authority. The FCA said banks, payment firms, and online platforms must step up detection and prevention, as 85% of such scams begin online. It urged greater user education, stronger anti-fraud systems, and closer cooperation between financial and digital platforms to curb losses.
See full article at PYMNTS