The Dating Apps Reporting Project is an 18-month investigation conducted in partnership with the Pulitzer Center’s AI Accountability Network and The Markup, now a part of CalMatters, and copublished with The Guardian and The 19th. In Denver, a young woman unknowingly met up with a smiling cardiologist on the dating app Hinge, not realizing that the company had received reports of rape from two other women regarding him. Despite this, she accepted his invitation to his apartment after their initial meeting at a sports bar. However, after consuming a drink from him, she lost control and was later found vomiting in an Uber on her way home. Subsequent reports of assault were made to Hinge, which is owned by Match Group, a major player in the online dating market. Despite these reports, the man, Stephen Matthews, remained active on the app and continued to victimize women. Eventually, Matthews was arrested and convicted of multiple counts related to sexual assault, but not before many more women fell victim to his abuse. Match Group, which owns various dating apps, including Tinder and OkCupid, knew about Matthews’ violent behavior for years but failed to take appropriate action. The company’s internal documents show that they were aware of users reported for assault as far back as 2016, but have not released a transparency report detailing the extent of harm on their platforms. Despite promises to improve safety, Match Group has been criticized for prioritizing corporate growth over user safety. Congressional scrutiny has led to some changes within the company, including the removal of the CEO in 2025. However, Match Group has still not provided requested data on sexual harm to Congress. The case of Stephen Matthews highlights the dangers that dating apps can pose, as they provide easy access for those seeking to commit acts of sexual violence.
