New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin announced Feb. 21 the state reached a settlement with Bumble Inc. to resolve allegations the Texas-based dating app violated state consumer protection and internet dating safety laws.

In 2020, the Division of Consumer Affairs launched an investigation into Bumble Inc., which has a controlling interest in both Bumble and Badoo brands, amid growing concerns of sexual assault occurring via dating platforms.

The inquiry found that Bumble and Badoo either inaccurately represented their criminal background screening policies or failed to disclose them at all. DCA alleged that violated the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act (CFA) and the Internet Dating Safety Act (IDSA), as well as regulations related to internet dating services.

As part of the settlement agreement, Bumble will pay $315,000 and make changes to its business practices.

Revisions to Bumble’s operations include:

• Accurately disclosing the company’s criminal background screening policies on its dating websites and apps
• Disclosing whether these services allow individuals with criminal backgrounds to access the services to communicate with New Jersey users
• Providing details and caveats regarding the background screenings

App updates

Within 45 days, Bumble must also update its disclosures on the Bumble and Badoo sites to accurately describe its practices related to criminal background screening. Additionally, the company will send all existing New Jersey users an email and pop-up notification informing them of these disclosure updates. Bumble will also include required safety awareness notifications regarding the limitations of criminal background screenings.

Platkin says the New Jerseyans using these services have a right to know if convicted sex offenders and other violent criminals are among the potential pool of suitors reaching out to them online.

“Our internet dating safety law requires companies to tell New Jersey members exactly what they’re doing – or not doing – to identify dangerous offenders and prevent them from accessing the online profiles of our residents,” said Platkin. “Compliance with that law is not optional.”

“The settlement announced today makes it clear that any internet dating site providing services to New Jersey residents must comply with our laws to be held accountable,” said Cari Fais, acting director of the Division of Consumer Affairs.

Bumble did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The full consent order is available here.