Tinder is making it possible for users on the platform to run background checks on matches before they decide to meet for the first time. The dating service is partnering with Garbo, a US-based start-up that helps with background checks, to make this happen. The checks will be low cost and they will be accessible directly through the Tinder app.
The first two background checks will be offered free of charge. But after that, users will have to pay a fee of $2.50 for every single search not including processing fees. The decision to offer these background checks is designed to enhance the safety of the dating app. However, the company agrees that the new Garbo background checks are not a “silver bullet.”
While it is nice to have some background of the date, it’s not the only thing that guarantees security in a dating platform. Besides, the fact that users have to pay $2.50 for every background check could be a barrier to using the service more often. Tinder has also released details on how the service will work in practice.
For example, Garbo will be able to search public records using a few pieces of personal information of the person concerned. The app will then give all the records it can find. This will include things like arrests and convictions. The Garbo service will also look into sex offender registries and cross-reference the names of the person concerned to see if there are any hits. Despite this, Garbo will try to balance between giving an accurate and elaborate background check without affecting the privacy of the individual in question.
To this effect, the app will hide certain personal details in the background check report. This includes things like addresses. Also, the checks will not provide details about public records relating to certain activities including drug possession, vagrancy, and even loitering. According to Tinder, these misdemeanors have traditionally affected people of color disproportionately.
The app simply doesn’t want to alienate black and brown people in the name of background checks. Garbo hopes that its low-cost service will be a hit with Tinder users. The company argues that traditional background checks are very expensive and beyond the reach of so many people. For example, a typical background check in a city like New York can cost upwards of $95.
Compared to the $2.5 charged by Garbo, it looks like a huge bargain. Tinder also says that it will be kicking out people who have questionable backgrounds from its platform. But there is a big question about privacy here. Part of the reason why many people use dating apps is based on the promise that their information will be kept safe from strangers.
It would be very scary for users to realize that possible matches could be running a background check on them. Although this will ultimately help some users feel secure on the app, it could also push many people away with previous records.
