Dating app group plans to integrate background-check feature into Tinder

Match Group, which owns a suite of apps including Tinder, announced Monday that it will integrate a background check feature into its services later this year.

The group is investing in Garbo, a nonprofit that lets people run background checks using only a first name and phone number or a full name at low costs.

Tinder users will be able to use the feature to get details about potential dates including arrest records and histories of violence.

Garbo explicitly excludes arrests related to drug possession as part of a push for equity given that those kinds of charges are levied disproportionately against people of color.

Match Group did not share how much the background checks will cost, but noted that they will work to make them accessible.

“For far too long women and marginalized groups in all corners of the world have faced many barriers to resources and safety,” Tracey Breeden, head of safety and social advocacy, said in a blog post.

“In partnership with Match Group, Garbo’s thoughtful and groundbreaking consumer background check will enable and empower users with information, helping create equitable pathways to safer connections and online communities across tech,” Breeden added.

The feature will be tested on Tinder “in the coming months” and then be rolled out on other Match apps such as Hinge and OkCupid.