Tinder, the dating app best known for its left-or-right swiping mechanics, is rolling out a new feature that helps users run background checks on people they potentially match with online. The tool is called Garbo and it allows users to search public records and social media profiles from the company’s database of information about its users.
To use Garbo, Tinder users will have to opt into having their data searched by other people. When you do sign up, your profile will show up in searches along with information like your age, education level and birthday (if you chose to include one). You can also choose whether or not to let anyone see your first name on this list—Tinder says they won't share any personal details without requesting permission first.
Tinder's new feature, Garbo, uses public records to look up whether a match has a criminal record, has been accused of sexual misconduct or abuse, or if they appear in any media stories.
The social platform says it has partnered with firms like LexisNexis and Checkr to gather information about the people you're matched with. This includes their names and addresses, as well as information about their past behavior that may not be available on the web. In short: Garbo gives you all the dirt on other users—but only after they've already swiped right on each other's profiles!
This background check feature is activated either by users who enter their US phone numbers into Tinder or people who have given Tinder a first and last name, date of birth and ZIP code. The company says it will conduct a "soft" background check on these individuals as well as anyone they have matched with on the app. If Garbo finds that any of these people have been convicted of serious crimes such as murder or sexual assault, you'll be notified before you decide to meet up with them in real life. You can also use Garbo to run a full background check — which includes criminal records from law enforcement agencies across all 50 states — but this comes at an additional cost (and requires your social security number).
"We just want to make sure that those that are dating can do so safely," Garbo's founder, Talia Goldstein, told BuzzFeed News when the partnership was revealed in January.
Even if you're a Tinder newbie, you can tell that safety is a priority for the dating app. That's why it's important to note that this new feature is just one step in the right direction. While this is a good idea, it's not the best way to do a background check. You should still do your own research and use other tools to find out more about your matches.
