Washington, D.C. -Today, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy, launched a new investigation into extremely troubling reports about the underage use of dating applications; and inappropriately selling or sharing personal data.
The letters were sent to Match Group, Inc.; The Meet Group, Inc.; New Grindr LLC; and Bumble Trading Inc. seeking information related to recent reports that numerous dating apps have failed to effectively screen out underage users, which creates dangerous and inappropriate situations.
“Our concern about the underage use of dating apps is heightened by reports that many popular free dating apps permit registered sex offenders to use them, while the paid versions of these same apps screen out registered sex offenders," wrote Chairman Krishnamoorthi. “Protection from sexual predators should not be a luxury confined to paying customers."
“I thank Chairman Krishnamoorthi for his work on this investigation. Reports of harmed minors and consumers’ private information being shared or sold are deeply troubling. This is a top priority for our Committee, and I look forward to reviewing the information we receive from the companies," said Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney.
On June 17, 2019, Joseph Meili pled guilty in Missouri to third degree child molestation after he was charged with sodomy, statutory rape, and kidnapping an 11-year-old girl he met through a dating app. The United Kingdom has discovered dozens of instances of pedophiles using dating apps to abuse and prey on children, some as young as eight years old.
“The Subcommittee is also concerned about a recent report from the Norwegian Consumer Council, that dating apps are also inappropriately selling or sharing intensely personal and sensitive information," the Chairman continued.
According to the report, American consumers may not receive adequate notification of the commercial use of their sensitive personal information, such as sexual orientation and preferences, gender identity, drug and alcohol use, tobacco product consumption, employment, political views, and more.
Chairman Krishnamoorthi requested that all companies produce documents by Feb. 13, 2020.
