Grindr will be launching new security and safety features to ensure the protection of queer people living in anti-LGBT+ countries. 

There are at least 76 countries that criminalise same-sex relations according to the United Nations, five of which uphold the death penalty. Due to these hostile environments, GBT+ dating app Grindr has announced new security features to ensure the safety of people using the app.

As reported in Cision PR Newswire, president of Grindr, Scott Chen said, “As Grindr has grown to become a vital part of the gay, bi, trans, and queer community, we feel a responsibility to provide important information and evolving tools to facilitate our users’ safe dating experience.

The new security features will allow users to “unsend” messages to remove traces of conversations. Photos will have an expiry date so that personal images disappear from messages as a protective measure. 

Screenshots can be blocked in chats and on profile pages as a further security measure implemented under the new launch. This feature will prevent people sharing content that could identify the user in their area. 

Along with the announcement, Grindr has published a Holistic Security Guide, which includes crucial security, self-care, and personal safety checklists. The document has been released in six languages, English, Spanish, French, Arabic, Russian, and Nigerian Pidgin.

The Holistic Security Guide is split into two formats, one is in the form of an FAQ and the second is a report written by Associate Director of Grindr for Equality, Azza Sultan.

Director of Grindr for Equality, Jack Harrison-Quintana said, “We are so proud to introduce these new security features, along with the Holistic Security Guide, as we continue to promote safety and justice for our users around the globe.”

In the Guide, scenarios are provided in which people are confronted by threatening situations. It then offers advice on how to take preventive measures to protect the safety of the individual.

President of Grindr, Chen further stated, “Our work in improving the well-being for the LGBTQ community around the globe is far from finished, but we are proud of these additional features to help provide a safer platform for our users.”