Dating app’s grim warning after assaults

A depressing reality has emerged for one group of Australians as many now commiserate we are one of “those countries”.

A depressing reality has emerged for one group of Australians as many now commiserate we are one of “those countries”.

Dating app Grindr now includes a warning when you open it in NSW. The “community safety update” said ACON, a HIV and LGBTQ+ health group, was aware of a number of recent assaults.

The assaults have occurred following meet-ups arranged via dating apps such as Grindr, they said.

“When meeting for the first time, take precautions like meeting in public, sharing your location with a friend and asking for additional photos of a video chat, and trusting your instincts if something feels off,” the message read.

Many were disappointed by the fact the message needed to be added.

Warning that appeared on Grindr. Picture: Reddit

“We are now one of ‘those’ countries,” a screenshot with the warning was captioned.

Another said: “Jesus, what year is it?”

“Wow, I didn’t realise gay bashing was back, I thought we had all as a society moved on from this horrific stuff,” another said.

Some are asking why it has taken Grindr so long to include the warning on the app.

“I got this for the first time today too, even though the ‘Learn More’ button links to an article from October. On top of everything as always, Grindr,” one said.

News.com.au contacted Grindr for comment.

ACON released a statement in October saying NSW Police had informed the organisation about a “number of recent assaults”, which prompted the warning.

“ACON have been advised that a number of recent assaults have allegedly been perpetrated by groups of young men and teenagers, who, after connecting with people on hook-up apps, quickly move to other less traceable apps, and then organise to meet up in isolated areas like parks,” the statement read.

The warning appeared on Grindr. Picture: iStock

“Because of the nature of these assaults, you may wish to consider verifying the age of the person you are organising to meet, and communicating only through the platform you connected on or via traceable means like texting.”

A NSW Police spokesperson confirmed to news.com.au it was actively investigating a number of assaults — particularly in Northern Beaches, Western and South-Western Sydney areas.

“Police believe the assaults have occurred after the victim has arranged to meet with an unknown person/s via online dating apps,” the spolesperson said.

“As the investigations remain ongoing, no further information is available at this time.

“The Engagement & Hate Crime Unit (EHCU) works closely with ACON to raise awareness and promote safety messaging whenever such incidents come to our attention.”

The spokesperson said crimes of this nature are always taken seriously. People who wish to report these kinds of crime are encouraged to speak to police or LGBTIQ Liaison Officers.