Charles Esther
In 2019, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a lawsuit against dating app giant Match Group, accusing it of misleading Match.com users into purchasing subscriptions through deceptive tactics.
After six years of legal proceedings, Match Group — the parent company of Match, Tinder, OkCupid, Hinge, and Plenty of Fish — has agreed to pay $14 million in a settlement, the FTC announced on Tuesday.
Settlement Funds to Compensate Consumers
According to the FTC, the $14 million will be used to provide compensation to consumers who were harmed by the company’s practices.
The regulator alleged that Match Group sent marketing emails to non-paying users about new messages from accounts it had already flagged as likely bots or scammers, prompting many to purchase subscriptions under false pretenses.
Deceptive Practices and Account Lockouts
The lawsuit also accused Match Group of locking users out of their accounts after they disputed charges, keeping their money while failing to deliver the paid services.
Additionally, the company allegedly made subscription cancellations unnecessarily difficult, creating barriers for customers who wanted to stop payments.
New Requirements Under the Proposed Order
The settlement includes a proposed order mandating several corrective actions by Match Group.
These include clearly outlining the terms of the company’s six-month guarantee, avoiding punitive actions against customers who raise billing disputes, and providing straightforward ways for users to cancel their subscriptions.
Addressing Trust and Safety Concerns
The resolution comes amid ongoing criticism over how Match Group manages trust and safety on its platforms.
The FTC hopes the measures will lead to better transparency and an improved user experience for online daters.
David Awoyode