TOP CLASS ACTIONS – Tinder has agreed to pay $60.5M to settle a class action lawsuit alleging it charged users over age 28 or 29 in California more than younger users for Tinder Plus and Tinder Gold subscriptions, in violation of state discrimination and unfair competition laws. The company denies wrongdoing but will compensate eligible California subscribers who paid higher age-based prices.
BARCLAYS – 56% of Gen Z singles are prioritizing meeting a partner in-person as romance scams become more sophisticated. 66% of UK adults say AI tools are making online dating scams more difficult to detect, with 53% concerned about voice or image impersonation. Barclays claims data shows victims of romance scams lost £7k each on average in 2025, and 67% originated on dating sites and social media platforms.
Kirsty Adams, Fraud & Scams Expert at Barclays, shares her SAFE guidelines:
S – Stay on the platform
A – Ask someone you trust if something doesn’t feel right
F – Flag money requests
E – Exit safely and report if you have been asked for money or if something feels wrong
LINKEDIN – The latest episode of the Harvard Data Science Review Podcast explores how data science shapes modern dating, questioning whether algorithms optimize for lasting relationships or simply user engagement. Host Liberty Vittert Capito and guest co-host Miguel Paredes are joined by Amy Andersen of Linx Dating and Adam Cohen-Aslatei of Three Day Rule Matchmaking to examine the gap between what people say they want and what they need, the limits of swipe-based systems, the value of post-date feedback as data, and whether AI enhances matchmaking or risks oversimplifying human connection.
REUTERS – Grindr reported Q4 revenue of $126M, beating estimates, and expanded its share buyback program by $400M, sending shares up about 4% after hours. The company said it will remain publicly listed after reaching an 18-month standstill agreement with its largest shareholder, Ray Zage, following failed take-private talks last year. Grindr is doubling down on AI-driven growth through its proprietary “gAI” system and a new premium subscription tier called “Edge,” while maintaining a strong free product to attract younger users. For 2026, it plans heavier investment in technology upgrades and expansion into health and wellness services, projecting full-year revenue above $528M, roughly in line with expectations.
BUSINESS CLOUD – Dating app hati, founded in 2025 by Zaahirah Adam, secured a £150K investment from Steven Bartlett on Dragons’ Den despite generating just £48 in revenue at the time of filming. The app replaces text messaging with five-minute phone calls, uses voice and video profiles instead of static photos, and requires friend verification to reduce catfishing. Adam initially sought £150K for 5% (a £3M valuation), but after other Dragons declined over low traction and easy replicability, she agreed to give Bartlett 30% for the same investment.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.