NBC NEWS – Three Day Rule, a new matchmaking app, uses an AI-generated algorithm to pair clients. Wired reporter Molly Higgins shares her experience with NBC News’ Ellison Barber, outlining the service’s strengths, drawbacks, and what it could mean for the future of dating apps.
Bumble Adds AI-powered Photo Feedback and Profile Guidance Tools
TECH CRUNCH – Bumble is rolling out new AI-powered features designed to improve user profiles and increase real-world meetups, including tools that give personalized feedback on bios, prompts, and photos, with U.S. users also getting AI photo analysis to suggest stronger image choices. In Canada, Bumble is testing a non-AI feature called “Suggest a Date,” which lets users signal they’re ready to meet offline if a chat stalls.
Malaysia Blocks Grindr and Blued and May Limit More LGBTQ+ Dating Apps
THE PINK NEWS – Malaysia has blocked access to Grindr and Blued and is considering further action against other LGBTQ+ dating platforms, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced on 25 February. He said authorities are reviewing legal measures to restrict apps deemed to violate local laws, including those involving immoral or unlawful content. Same-sex activity remains illegal in Malaysia and carries severe criminal penalties under federal and state laws.
Romance Scams Cost Victims $1.16 Billion in 2025
USA TODAY – Organized online romance scams now extract massive sums: ~11,200 victims lost ~$398M in Q3 2025 alone (median loss ~$2,218), and total reported losses reached ~$1.16B in the first nine months of 2025, with some individuals losing six-figure savings. Criminal groups cultivate relationships for months via social media and messaging apps, then request money through gift cards, wires, or crypto, increasingly reinforced by AI-generated photos, voices, and video; once funds are sent, recovery is rare, so the only reliable safeguard is to cut off contact the moment a new online partner asks for money or financial information.
Mark Brooks Has Joined the HubPeople Board of Directors
OPW – Mark Brooks has joined the HubPeople Board of Directors, bringing more than two decades of experience across the online dating and social discovery sector. He has advised executives at some of the world’s most successful dating companies, including the CEO of PlentyofFish during its growth phase. As a board member, Mark will provide strategic guidance on market trends, competitive positioning, and long-term growth as HubPeople continues to expand its global footprint.
Online Dating Jobs Listing Update – February 2026
OPW – An update to the online dating jobs listing is live here.
Below, see a couple of this month’s most interesting offers:
HubPeople – CRM Manager
Bumble – Associate Director of Lifecycle Marketing
Ditto AI – Head of Community
Grindr – Director of Government Affairs
Match Group – Sr. People Director
Muzz – Country Marketing Lead
ParshipMeet Group – Vice President Data & AI
Social Discovery Ventures – Chief Legal Officer
Tinder – Sr. Director, Communications (Americas)
Together Light – Director of Marketing
Do you have an idating industry job offer that is not included? Please, send it to tips@onlinepersonalswatch.com and we will add it to the list.
The Matchmaking Services That Bring the High Earners of the World Together
THE TIMES –
Drawing Down the Moon – 40 years in the business. Clients are mostly based in London. “Men tend to be far more open to the type of women they would like to meet,” the owner, Gillian McCallum, says, “while women are more prescriptive”). Finding a match is a team effort that includes daily “matching meetings” to discuss suitors. “The hardest part is encouraging clients to branch out from their checklist.”
Ivy Relations – Inga Verbeeck, the CEO of the Belgium-based Ivy Relations, which has mainly male clients. A team of six headhunters cast their nets wide.
Rates start at £13k and can reach six digits. Standard membership is 5 introductions.
Berkeley – Nine offices globally, from the UK and France to Kenya. Berkeley has an international team of researchers, client managers, psychologists and matchmaking specialists. Prices start at £15k for UK and £35k for international membership.
Bond – Launched 3 years ago, is based in London, with international clients and plans to expand to Dubai. Standard membership starts at £10k. The service can involve stylists, date coaching, finding personal trainers.
Mark Brooks: The matchmaking industry seems to be growing. Matchmaker.com will be launching in March, next month, to help people connect with the right matchmakers for them.
Match Group Adds Bronstein and Moskowitz to Board Amid Ongoing Leadership Refresh
PRESS RELEASE – Match Group plans to add tech executives Manuel Bronstein and Raina Moskowitz to its board at the 2026 shareholder meeting. Bronstein previously led product at Roblox and worked on Google Assistant and YouTube; Moskowitz is CEO of The Knot Worldwide and former COO/CMO at Etsy. Two current directors, Sharmistha Dubey and Pamela Seymon, will step down. The company says the additions are part of an ongoing board refresh and focus on product growth, engagement, and user trust.
Reminder: LTR Edition 49 Happening This Wednesday, February 25th
OPW – This is a reminder that LTR Edition 49 will take place this Wednesday, February 25th, at 12:00 PM EST. In this edition, Mark Brooks will sit down with Matthew Gain, CEO of ParshipMeet Group, to discuss the company’s portfolio of brands, current market challenges, and the key opportunities shaping the next few years in the dating industry.
Then, Mark will interview Eric Straus, former CEO and Founder of Cupid.com and now President of Transworld Business Brokers in Manhattan. They will cover Eric’s exit from Cupid.com and explore how dating companies can position themselves for acquisition, navigate the sale process, and identify the right buyers.
If you hold a full-time leadership role at an online dating, social discovery, or matchmaking company, you are welcome to join LTR events for free.
This LTR is kindly sponsored by HubPeople.ai, LeadThink and Courtland Brooks.
Grindr Is Testing a New AI Subscription Tier in Australia Called Grindr Edge
STREAMLINE – The paid plan uses AI to summarize chats, suggest compatible matches, detect under-18 users, and strengthen identity verification. It’s priced very high (over AUD 100/month in some markets).