Top tips to protect your identity and data when online dating

Online dating: A growing phenomenon

The most significant change in the dating scene over the years is the widespread adoption of online dating platforms, transforming how people meet potential partners from primarily in-person social circles to a digital landscape where individuals can browse profiles and connect based on specific criteria.

Online dating users worldwide surpassed 381 million in 2023. It is forecast that by 2028, 452 million people will look for romance on online platforms. User rates for online dating services are highest in the United States, the United Kingdom and Belgium. 

A shifting demographic

Despite the growth of online dating some of the younger generations, namely Gen-Z, seem to be opting out.

According to a 2023 Statista survey, daters in the U.S. between the ages of 30 and 49, who are mostly millennial, make up 61% of dating app users, whereas Gen-Z comes in at only 26%. This may be in part due to unique challenges Gen-Z faces on the apps. In Hinge’s 2024 D.A.T.E. (Data, Advice, Trends and Expertise) report, many Gen-Z daters cite fear of rejection and being cringe amongst their top concerns. 

Beware of the risks

In the digital era we can connect with potential partners through dating apps. However, this convenience has a dark side, making us an easy target for cybercriminals.

Reports have revealed vulnerabilities in popular dating apps, raising concerns about user privacy and security. For example, several dating apps have been called out for vulnerabilities in their geo-location system. This has meant that hackers have been able to locate users despite deliberate efforts from the companies to hide GPS data.

Flaws in apps’ security can provide threat actors with a breach to gain access to private data and even track individual swipes. A hacker can also monetise this data, selling it or using it to blackmail the user.

The best form of defense is prevention

Dating app providers have the onus of ensuring the privacy and security of their customers and guests and spotting vulnerabilities is a marathon, not a sprint, requiring constant monitoring and updating of cybersecurity defences.

There are some simple steps you can take as a user to safeguard your identity and your data.

Keep the following in mind if you are enjoying online dating:

1. Choose a trustworthy platform with robust security and encryption of personal data. 
2. Manage your personal information: don’t share lots of personal information. Reduce the information you share to the bare minimum. Use a nickname or your first name rather than your full name. 
3. Don’t link to your social media account: keep your dating and social media accounts separate. 
4. Stay on the dating app: message within the dating app, don’t be lured out of it where you are unprotected. 
5. Use strong passwords: Choose complex passwords that are not easy to guess and two-factor authentication. 
6. Log out after using a shared computer: Protect your information by logging out after using a shared computer. 
7. Report cybercrime: If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud or scams, you should report it to the relevant authorities locally. (UK: Action Fraud).