DATING APPS

You may wish to use dating apps right after a breakup or sometime in the future. There are many dating platforms available, some free to use and others paid. Most dating apps encourage the sharing of personal information; however, it is important before making a profile or using a platform to ensure that your personal identifiable information is private.

FOLLOW THESE STEPS TO SECURE YOUR DATING APPS AFTER A BREAKUP:

Some dating sites now offer additional privacy and safety features. Here are some below:

• Review the information you are sharing on your profile. Limit personal identifiable information.
• Avoid linking your profile with social media profiles or other accounts that could give away more information about you than you wish.
• Ensure the email connected to the account is secure. Consider creating and using a separate email to your regular one for dating platforms.
• Use a strong password and set up two-factor authentication.
• Set location manually if possible and consider avoiding specific/exact location use.
• Review the platform’s privacy and security settings or the Safety Center and adjust your settings as preferred.
• Keep contact with other users in the app rather than moving to text or WhatsApp. Romance scammers often try to encourage victims to move away from the dating platform.
• Avoid posting images containing friends or family members. A reverse image search may link users to their social media or online accounts, giving away more information that you wish to share with a stranger.
• Research the profile you are communicating with – Do a reverse image search in Google to see if the images are genuine.
• Post images safely. Take into consideration what additional information is shown (e.g. what might be recognizable in the background).
• Delete and hide any profiles you no longer wish to use.
• Report any abusive content or harassment on these platforms that goes against their community guidelines.
• Block contacts on the platform you’d rather not see or be seen by.
• Watch out for scammers who ask for financial help and anyone who won’t talk on a phone/video call—they may not be who they say they are.

For more safety tips, check out our resource Online Dating: Privacy Risks and Strategies.

Caution: Please note that if someone else has access to your account, they may be notified of these changes. Some abusers may escalate their violence. Control and coercion may make some of these steps neither possible nor safe. If you have children or other dependents, you might consider going through some of these steps with their technology and accounts as well. To develop a safety plan, visit www.sheltersafe.ca to find a safe, confidential program in your community.