Grindr makes moves to try and protect users in anti-LGBTQ countries

14th December 2019

Unsending messages and preventing screenshots are just some of the measures.

Grindr has announced new security measures in order to protect users who are using the app in countries which are hostile toward the LGBTQ community.

Some of the new security features allow people to unsend messages, which will allow them to remove all traces of a conversation. Likewise, screenshots will be banned from chats and profile pages in order to prevent people from sharing content that could give away a user’s identity.

Pictures sent in messages will also have an expiry date and will disappear once that time has passed.

Another main feature is the launch of the Holistic Security Guide, which will be available in six different languages. The guide covers three main areas, a user’s digital security, their personal safety and their emotional well-being, and can be viewed in an FAQ format or a written one.

In the guide, scenarios of threatening situations are explained, and the user is given advice on how to best take preventive measures in order to protect their safety.

The company worked with LGBTQ activists and online safety advocates across the world in order to come up with the new security features.

Jack Harrison-Quintana, the Director of Grindr for Equality, said: “We are so proud to introduce these new security features, along with the Holistic Security Guide, as we continue to promote safety and justice for our users around the globe.”

And Grindr’s president, Scott Chen said: “As Grindr has grown to become a vital part of the gay, bi, trans, and queer community, we feel a responsibility to provide important information and evolving tools to facilitate our users’ safe dating experience.

“Our work in improving the well-being for the LGBTQ community around the globe is far from finished, but we are proud of these additional features to help provide a safer platform for our users.”