Former Lib Dem MP ‘declares war’ on Grindr over lack of safety warnings
By Darren Mew
A former MP has accused dating apps Grindr and Tinder of letting down their users by “allowing [them] to speak with complete strangers” and not giving them tips on how to stay safe.
John Leech, who used to represent Manchester Withington, said: “It is completely unacceptable that neither of the two leading dating apps display safety alerts or notices at any point from download to real-life use, not even anything as simple as meeting somewhere public [or] letting a friend know where [they’re] going.”
Police figures reveal that, in the past four years, 17 people reported being raped by someone they met on the apps. There were 10 further allegations of sexual assault.
Liberal Democrat Mr Leech added: “Something as serious as rape has an enormous and life-shattering impact on so many lives, from the victim to their friends, family and co-workers.
“Tinder and Grindr should not be let off the hook over such a serious and shocking lapse in care.”
Jane Brophy, the Lib Dem’s mayoral candidate for Greater Manchester, told Rochdale Online: “These numbers are a serious cause for concern. As more and more people use these apps we must get better at tackling the safety of users.
“Seeing an increase in education of sexual, health and relationship education, and a decrease in these assaults will be part of my plan for Greater Manchester.”