News Summary

Match Group, the operator of various popular dating apps including Match, Tinder, OkCupid, Hinge, and Plenty of Fish, has agreed to a $14 million settlement with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This settlement resolves a lawsuit filed in 2019, which accused the company of misleading users into purchasing subscriptions through deceptive marketing practices. The FTC alleged that Match Group sent marketing emails about new messages from users it identified as likely bots or scammers, encouraging people to buy subscriptions. Furthermore, the company was accused of locking users out of their accounts when they disputed charges and making it difficult to cancel subscriptions. The settlement will provide redress to affected consumers and includes requirements for Match Group to clarify the details of its six-month guarantee and make subscription cancellations easier for users.