What happened

An investigation by The Markup uncovered that systems used by Match Group, owner of popular dating apps Tinder and Hinge, to keep sexual predators off its platforms are ineffective. 

The investigation found that Match Group maintains records of users accused of sexual assault but does not implement adequate measures to remove these individuals from their platforms or inform law enforcement. 

The investigation also found that Match Group has been aware of users accused of drugging, assaulting or raping dates since at least 2016.

In one case, Denver cardiologist Stephen Matthews was reported multiple times for rape on Hinge but remained active on the app and was even highlighted as a "Standout" profile. 

In October 2024, Matthews was jailed for 158 years for drugging and sexually assaulting women he had met on dating apps. 

Why it happened

The incident occurred due to Match Group's lack of effective systems to keep bad actors off the apps, and poor transparency. 

The company's loosely defined procedures force employees to rely on their own judgement when handling reports of sexual assault.

Additionally, Match Group has not published its promised Transparency Report for the United States, despite announcing its commitment to do so in 2020.