I, the petitioner, met a man online who became an unanticipated terror in my life.. Yet, despite being a convicted criminal, I continue to see this man's face on dating apps. He is actively seeking new women. This allowed perpetuation of a threat is not merely disturbing; it is dangerous, irresponsible and reckless.

It has been reported that the number of currently registered sex offenders in England and Wales rose to approximately 119,000 in 2020 (source: Ministry of Justice, UK), some of whom continue to use digital platforms to hide their identities and past records. It is in light of this chilling fact that we must pressure mainstream dating apps like Hinge to adopt a robust system of cross-referencing their user profiles with Metropolitan Police records.

This additional safety measure can potentially screen out those who may use these platforms to seek new victims, mitigating the risk of further abuse. We ought not to wait until another abuse happens. Moreover, app users should be allowed to enjoy the right to find connections and build relationships without the anxiety of unknowingly engaging with someone with a proven track record of a dangerous abusive criminal past - MALE OR FEMALE.

We urge these apps to take strict measures - if a person is found guilty of domestic abuse, their profiles should be removed immediately and permanently. If they attempt to create new profiles, the cross-referencing system should block these attempts, protecting unsuspecting users from potential harm.

Regardless of initial investments, the safety of millions should be a non-negotiable priority for these platforms. With your help, tech companies can take a monumental step in the right direction, towards a safer future for all dating app users.

Please sign this petition and help protect users against the silent threat lingering around the corners of dating apps. Together, we can make dating a safer experience for everyone.