Police chiefs are calling for mandatory warnings on dating apps
Dating apps “must take more responsibility” for protecting their users’ safety online, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) has said.
The call comes a day after Stephen Port was found guilty of murdering four men he met on Grindr.
Police lead for LGBT issues, Chief Constable jane Sawyers, says apps should come with mandatory safety message for users.
Speaking to the BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire show, Ms Sawyers said apps “could do more to prevent crimes happening in the first place”.
Messages such as “Get to know the person, not the profile” are being suggested in a bid to cut the numbers of dating app related crimes, and warn users to the number of fake profile online.
The police chief also admitted there’s a stigma around reporting crimes committed as a result of dating apps.
“There shouldn’t be any concerns about gay people reporting things to police… we’re not there to judge, what we’re interested in is justice for the individual”, she said.
As a result of the Stephen Port murder case, the Metropolitan Police referred itself to the Independent Police Complaints Commission over allegations it failed to spot a link between the deaths.
For tips to stay safe on dating apps, we compiled these 15 ways you can help protect yourself.
