FOI 638/25
REQUEST
- The number of requests your police force has made to dating app or dating website platforms (e.g., Tinder, Bumble, Grindr, Hinge, Plenty of Fish, Match.com, Feeld, etc.) regarding investigations or incidents, for each of the past two calendar years (e.g., 2023 and 2024).
- For each year, please break down the number of requests by platform, if recorded.
- If available, please also provide a brief description of the types of incidents that led to the requests (e.g., sexual assault, fraud, harassment), noting that no personally identifiable information is requested.
If it would reduce the cost of compliance, I am happy to receive data limited to the top five most-requested platforms or responses disregarding the breakdown of the types of incidents
RESPONSE
We consulted with our Crime and Criminal Justice Unit who have provided the following information regarding your request.
Question 1
In the calendar year April 2023-March 2024 there were no requests made to dating platforms.
In the calendar year April 2024- March 2025 there were 12 requests made to dating platforms.
Question 2
The 12 requests relate to Plenty of Fish, Meet24 and Fabswingers.
Question 3
The request relates to the following offences;
- Domestic Violence related Malicious Communications s1 of the Malicious Communications Act 1988 and s127 Communications Act 2003
- Rape allegation S1 Sexual offences Act 2003
- Harassment Act under section 2
- Engaging in sexual communication with a child, and causing a child to watch a sexual act