New dating app screens users for sex offences, criminal records

The creators of a new dating app say they are putting users’ minds at ease by checking each user’s criminal background.

Gatsby, an app that was launched in April, may seem like another dating app similar to Tinder and Bumble but there’s one key difference: it scans users’ background for criminal records and sex offences.

In an interview with Global News, Gatsby CEO Joseph Penora said in the U.S., databases for these types of crimes are made available publicly.

“We developed algorithms that look at users’ information when signing up and then compare it to sex offender records and criminal databases,” Penora said. “What it comes down to is safety and security for users.”

There have been multiple reports about people meeting each other online, only to be sexually assaulted, robbed and even killed, including a young father who died after meeting a woman on Plenty of Fish.

“Our goal is to keep people safe. It’s not to put a stigma on people and say, ‘This person is a bad person,’” Penora said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Our goal is to keep people safe. It's not to put a stigma on people and say, 'This person is a bad person,'" Penora said.

So how does Gatsby work? According to Penora, during the sign-up process to join the app, it will ask you for personal information, such as your name and birthday. That’s when the app uses its algorithms to check the sex offender record and criminal databases to see if the person has a record.

If the app thinks the person does have a criminal record of some sort, it will verify its findings.

“We check just to make sure. Does the person have a common name? Is it the same birthday?” Penora said. “If we find out you have a criminal record, you don’t have access to the app.”

But what if the person signing up uses a fake name, address or even birthday? Not to worry, Penora said.

“We have a new algorithm that will be using other databases to basically verify other parts of information. This will help combat fake profiles,” Penora said.

For now, the app is only available in the U.S.

“Once we acquire the necessary Canadian databases, we will have to create a separate algorithm that takes their laws into consideration,” Penora said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Once we acquire the necessary Canadian databases, we will have to create a separate algorithm that takes their laws into consideration," Penora said.

However, he said when it comes to online dating, nothing replaces common sense.

“If you’re going to meet someone, don’t give them your number… always meet them in a public place, drive yourself – don’t let the guy come to your house and pick you up.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "If you're going to meet someone, don't give them your number… always meet them in a public place, drive yourself - don't let the guy come to your house and pick you up."

Penora said it’s also good practice to tell friends and family who it is you’re meeting up with and to call them when the date is over so they know you’re safe.