Prague, Czech Republic – Tinder, the globally popular dating app with millions of users, has come under scrutiny due to the high cost of its premium feature, Tinder Gold. One reader raised concerns about the membership price, noting a significant increase compared to previous years. The cost of Tinder Gold in March 2023 stood at 709 Czech crowns per month, which the reader found to be excessive. Although more affordable options are available for longer-term memberships, the monthly payment still amounts to 358 crowns.

Tinder Gold offers perks like unlimited likes and the ability to see who has liked your profile. However, non-paying users are unable to see who has expressed interest in them. Given the app’s immense popularity, with a reported 500 million downloads and availability in 190 countries, the high cost of its premium feature raises questions about accessibility and affordability.

Efforts to seek clarification on the membership cost and potential price increases from Tinder’s international press office have been met with silence, as the company has not responded to inquiries over the course of three months. This lack of transparency has led to further scrutiny and disappointment among users seeking information and clarification.

The issue of dating apps and their practices is not exclusive to Tinder. Several other platforms have faced accusations of fraudulent behavior. Consumer protection organizations like dTest in the Czech Republic have been actively battling against such apps for years. In May 2020, dTest even filed a lawsuit against two Luxembourg-based companies, be2 and Interdate, for automatically renewing users’ memberships without clear notification or consent.

The consequences of these fraudulent practices extend beyond individual financial losses. dTest estimates that the collective damage caused by these apps amounts to millions of crowns. To combat this issue, dTest launched a campaign and initiated a successful class-action lawsuit, resulting in compensation for affected consumers.

While Tinder remains a popular dating app, it is important for companies in the industry to prioritize transparency, affordability, and consumer protection. The concerns raised by users regarding the high cost of premium features, coupled with the lack of response from Tinder’s international press office, highlight the need for greater accountability and clearer communication in the online dating sector.

Article by Prague Forum