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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle
Kate O'Flaherty

EXPLAINED: Five dating app dilemmas answered by experts | Rare Historical Photos

Happy couple texting on their smart phones, sending emojis
‘Dating apps can be a security and privacy minefield.’ Photograph: Westend61/Getty Images

In an online wild west populated by scammers and hackers, dating apps pose challenges beyond just finding a partner. It’s getting harder to tell if your date is who they say they are, and that’s before you consider the data security and privacy implications of using the apps on your smartphone.

It’s difficult to maintain privacy when apps such as Hinge, Tinder and Bumble need to collect data to match you with potential dates. Then there’s the data you share with other users – including your sexual orientation, age and social media information – that could put you at risk if it gets into the wrong hands.

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