Hayley Birkin

Dating platforms must deploy hash matching for non-consensual intimate images by 30 September, when Ofcom can enforce the Online Safety Act.

Australia proposes making platforms offer algorithmic or chronological feeds, with fines up to A$200 million. Dating apps may fall in scope.

Europe's online dating market will grow from $1.15bn in 2025 to $1.63bn by 2031, says ResearchAndMarkets, as GDPR limits clash with dating app AI.

Match Group settled with New Jersey for $650,000 over how Tinder, Hinge and other apps described criminal background checks.

Ofcom says Online Safety Act duties for dating platforms remain in force despite 2027 changes, including completed Children's Access Assessments.

South Korea's Fair Trade Commission fined matchmaking firm Duo ₩345M (£184,000) for false advertising about member quality and matchmaker numbers.

Indian cybercrime authorities warn fake dating app ads on Facebook and Instagram are spreading malicious Android APK files that seek SMS access.

Seeking.com now publicly shows photos of alleged scammers and says its AI catches more than 90% before they message members. UK GDPR risks are raised.

Omi says 60% of users have completed optional facial verification, while 85 cases led to RM8.43M in scam losses reported to Malaysian police.

New Zealand has tabled legislation banning under-16s from major social media. Dating apps may inherit its age verification standards, with costly compliance.

Malaysia has rejected mandatory ID checks for dating apps, choosing fraud detection and bank controls instead, after 462 victims lost RM32.7M to romance scams.

Chinese prosecutors handled cases involving 1,546 individuals accused of matchmaking fraud between January 2024 and March 2025, the BBC reports.

Match Group has provisioned $9.1 million for an Irish GDPR fine over Tinder data requests, 85% below its $60 million maximum exposure.

Coffee Meets Bagel says 81% of active users completed selfie verification within three months, and 80% of Singapore members use Singpass.

New York's SAFE for Kids Act takes effect 25 January 2027 and can apply to dating apps with algorithmic feeds, whatever they call themselves.

So Syncd co-founder Jessica Alderson has resigned as ODDA Chair after about three years, with no successor named and no public reason given.

Former Venntro chief Ross Williams has published contracts, emails and legal letters answering Michael O'Sullivan's public claims about a 14.5 million member database.

France has passed a law requiring every social media user to verify their identity via CNIL-approved tools, a move that could affect dating apps.

A technical review finds HubPeople's dating infrastructure powers a network of adult and hookup sites absent from the company's corporate brand showcase.

Seeking.com has launched a public gallery of detected scammers, a first among major dating platforms, but it has not disclosed its false positive rate.