Investigating the Systemic Failures Enabling Abuse on Dating Apps

Match Group owns half of the global online dating market.

Its apps include Tinder, Bumble, Hinge , PlentyofFish , and OKCupid .

The UN warned this year that online attacks against women are getting worse and that this trend can influence offline interactions.

An investigation by The Dating Apps Reporting Project examined shortcomings in the Match Trust and Safety department’s response to reports of sexually violent users.

The investigation ran parallel to coverage of the Matthews case, which involved locating multiple women he had preyed on and reporting on an ongoing case in Colorado .

Attorneys representing the women stated that much of the violence Matthews inflicted could have been avoided.

Match Group issued a short statement in response defending their safety efforts.

Dugdale hopes to see real, lasting change down the line.

Dugdale says positive feedback from employees at dating app companies and women victimized has re-engaged US lawmakers.

“The wheels of justice do take time,” says Dugdale , who says she is hopeful of seeing real change.