Sydney, Australia, 3 April – Now that we’re in full 2023 swing, Aussie singles are on the apps, both head and heart first looking to make new connections. But before they do, we want to remind you that safety comes first – non-negotiable! Although you can't control the actions of others, there are steps you can take thanks to some nifty features to help stay safe during your Tinder experience. 

But what are these features and what do they do, I hear you ask! Everyday’s a school day: 

1. Mutual Matching – two people must have mutually swiped right on each other before they can start chatting.
2. Photo Verification – keep an eye out for the blue tick. This feature compares profile photos with a series of posed photos taken in-app in real time. You can even choose to only see people who are already Photo Verified thanks to Tinder Explore.
3. Australian Safety Centre – developed in collaboration with the Match Group Advisory Council and NGO partners, the in-app safety centre includes local resources, articles, tips, quizzes and information about safety and privacy features. It’s also open 24/7! 
4. Unmatch – Tinder members are able to unmatch or block someone at any time for any reason, whether it wasn’t a good fit or something more serious.
5. Video Chat – Built within the app, this feature allows members to meet digitally, verify their match is genuine and better assess whether the chemistry is there before meeting IRL. 
6. Are You Sure? (pictured) – This feature prompts the sender ‘Are You Sure?’ if they are about to share a potentially offensive message. Tinder not only relies on people reporting inappropriate content, it works to catch it proactively too.
7. Does This Bother You? – asks members this question when they receive a potentially offensive message on Tinder. Should you say ‘yes’ to the “Does This Bother You?” prompt, you have the option to report the sender for their behaviour. Both AYS and DTBY were recently updated with more language that Tinder classifies as harmful or inappropriate. 
8. Block Contacts and Block Profile – Don’t want to see your boss, ex or family member whilst swiping? Block Contacts allows members to block personal contacts they’d rather not see, nor seen by within the app. Block Profile, a new addition to the safety features portfolio, allows members to choose who they want to see on Tinder before matching.
9. Reporting – Members can report someone directly from a profile or through their match list and can even report someone who has unmatched them. Every report is taken seriously. Tinder has recently announced long press reporting, making it even easier to report in-app. 
10. Traveller Alert – When LGBTQIA+ members travel IRL or use Tinder’s Passport feature to swipe in a country with laws that penalise their community, they are alerted and given a choice to opt out before their profile is shown in the area

Tinder has also created an all-in-one Dating Safety Guide (datingsafetyguide.com/au) in conjunction with local NGO partner, WESNET, to educate and empower members to date safely IRL and URL.

HERE’s a link to imagery of the features in-app.