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Dating app Bumble has reached a settlement with New Jersey following accusations of misrepresenting its background check policies. The company has agreed to pay a civil penalty of $315,000 as part of the settlement, according to New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin.
The case against Bumble was instigated by an investigation conducted by New Jersey's Division of Consumer Affairs. The probe found that the Texas-based company had inaccurately represented or failed to disclose their criminal background screening policies. Specifically, Bumble had not informed users that not all members of the Bumble and Badoo platforms were screened for criminal history.
The lack of transparency was in violation of New Jersey's laws regarding internet dating services. The regulations are designed to protect consumers from potential risks associated with online dating by ensuring that companies provide full disclosure about their safety measures and practices.
In addition to the financial penalty, Bumble has also agreed to make changes to its disclosure policies and business practices. These modifications are expected to better align the company's operations with the state's consumer protection laws.
Bumble, known for its unique feature allowing women to initiate conversations, has gained significant popularity since its launch in 2014. However, this incident highlights the challenges faced by online dating platforms in ensuring user safety while respecting privacy rights.