Gay ‘networking’ app Grindr has announced that UK-based users will now undergo an essential security check to combat underage use of the software.

Grindr, the app used by primarily gay and bisexual men to ‘network’ (read: hook up with each other) has introduced an age assurance feature in the United Kingdom for new users.

Users downloading the app for the first time will now be asked to confirm that they are 18 or over, reflecting a new requirement under the UK Government’s Online Safety Act.

Though users in the past have been asked to enter their Date of Birth as 18 or above when creating an account, the update now requires Grindr users to comply with an age assurance method to ensure that those users are, indeed, adults.

Grindr’s blog, which announced the update 25 June, states: “This age assurance process reinforces what Grindr has always been: a space for queer adults.”

you heard me!!!!!!!!!!!!! https://t.co/rx0rTovWgV pic.twitter.com/gGQxlLItRx

— Grindr (@Grindr) June 1, 2025

Users will now be asked to “complete a quick video selfie or pair a video selfie with an official photo ID,” in a ‘verification flow’ that only needs to be done once per account for UK users of the app.

Potential Grindr users will not be able to access the app until the age assurance process is complete; this includes new users upon registration and those opening the app in the UK while visiting.

The process is in partnership with FaceTec, which, “utilizes biometric verification technology from Facetec, while independently managing all data processing to ensure your privacy is protected and access is restricted to adults.”

The app assures users: “To protect your privacy, any documents and videos you provide are only used for age assurance, are securely encrypted during the process, and are permanently deleted once age assurance is complete.”

Accepted Photo IDs include Diver’s Licenses, Passports, Army ID Cards, PASS Proof of Age Cards and more.

The blog reads that the “bottom (not top or versatile) line” is that the new age assurance process is “a fast, one-time check that helps keep Grindr safe, secure, and for adults only. [Grindr will] continue monitoring global standards and evolving our tools to prioritize user safety, privacy, and rights.”

 The Online Safety Act requires sites or software containing sexually explicit material to introduce “robust” age-checking techniques by the summer. And given that there’s more poles and holes on Grindr than a golf course, we’d say it qualifies.

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