How to Protect Your Privacy While Dating Online

Now that dating apps are slowly becoming a thing of the past—and I do mean slowly, because there are still a large number of hopefuls out there—it’s safe to say that “touching grass” is making a comeback. But is it enough to simply delete the dating app, or do we need to reassess our online use altogether?
Data protection has always been a concern. I mean, look at the recent ban on TikTok and its so-called threat to national security through data collection, not to mention all the extra hours Zuckerberg is putting in to ensure you stay on his apps—shopping, dating, doomscrolling. It’s all a strategy to keep you active and engaged while doing two things: (1) convincing you that your person is just a swipe away and (2) creating unrealistic expectations for yourself and your potential partner.
To my hopefuls, online dating is a place where you can curate the perfect profile, highlight your most desirable attributes, and even lie about your life—without anyone to fact-check you. It’s where illusion meets delusion, and that combination can be downright catastrophic. Because dating apps are so unregulated when it comes to verifying users, if you’re still holding out hope that your perfect match is just a right swipe away, you need to seriously consider your safety when online dating.
Related articles: Bumble Faces Backlash Amid Rebranding Efforts
Related articles: How to Get Back Into Dating After Being Single for a Long Time

Contrary to popular belief, dating apps aren’t the only platforms where you should exercise caution when sharing your location, images, or videos in real time. Think of it like this: Let’s say you use your phone number to create your dating app profile and match with someone—cool, right? Well, this is also the same number you use for money transfer sites like Cash App and Venmo, along with social media apps such as Facebook, Instagram, and maybe even LinkedIn.
Now that you’ve shared your number with this person—who is a complete stranger, by the way—they can use it to search for you on sites like True People Search or Whitepages. Apps like Venmo display past transactions, so what if you’re a big spender? Suppose you frequently send large sums of money to family and friends.
This stranger now has access to your payment history. Once they connect your phone number to an address listed on one of these accounts, they can find your email address, view the front of your home (or past residences), and maybe even pay you an unexpected visit. It’s that simple to have your data and personal safety compromised—all from using dating apps and matching websites.
DATING TIPS EVERY INDEPENDENT SINGLE WOMAN SHOULD FOLLOW

Now that we’ve discussed the importance of protecting your privacy while dating online, here are some essential dating tips that every independent single woman should follow. I firmly believe that anyone using social media and dating apps should only share their Google Voice number or a TextNow number. Some sites don’t allow the use of these VoIP landline numbers, and if that’s the case, you should exit them immediately.
Related articles: Dear Danielle: Online Dating Is Not Working for Me - Let's Bring Back Coffee Dates
Related articles: Psychological Effects of Online Dating
The main reason for this restriction is to prevent international fraud via SMS, which is understandable. However, since this doesn’t apply to you, and your safety should always be your top priority, you should focus only on apps and sites that allow the use of such numbers. Not only is this a great way to conceal your personal information, but Google Voice is also more secure than a SIM-based system. Next, make sure the front image of your home is blurred on Google. It’s simple: just search your address and select "Street View." Once the image expands, click on the three dots in the top left-hand corner and select "Report a Problem."
Google will then provide a list of options, and you can fill out the form from there (my dad showed me this hack). They will email you to confirm your request, and then you just have to wait. Additionally, ensure that none of the images you upload to dating apps reveal your surroundings near your home or workplace. Try using vacation photos or close-up selfies, making sure no details—like your car’s make, model, or VIN number—are visible.
Your location should always be turned on and shared with a close family member or friend—whether that’s a sibling or parental figure. You can enable permanent location sharing, which is highly recommended for safety. However, keep in mind that location sharing can drain your phone’s battery, so investing in a reliable portable charger is a smart move, especially if you have an older phone.
Related articles: The Hidden Cost of Dating Apps: Time, Money, and Emotional Investment
Related articles: The Rise of 'Situationships' in the Era of Dating Apps
Do not find yourself stranded with a dead phone—it’s neither cute nor safe. Once you reach a certain age, you become responsible for yourself, and there are plenty of resources available to help you navigate this stage of your life. Dating—whether online or in person—comes with its own set of challenges, but as long as you stay ten steps ahead, you should have no problem swiping to your heart’s content. However, if your goal is to meet someone special who is serious about building a future with you, the chances of finding that on a dating app or sites like Match are slim to none.
Dating apps have become a buffet for men looking for a free situationship. Many don’t have the means to pay for a sex worker, so dating apps become the next best thing. It’s as easy as swiping right on thirty women in one day, matching with ten, and then running the same lines with each one to see who takes the bait. You’re not special just because your images are clearer or your hair is longer. If someone’s intentions aren’t good from the start, they won’t change just because of who you are. Always look out for yourself—because more than anything, you deserve to be safe rather than sorry.
by Danielle Wright & Lisa K. Stephenson