Best VPN Tools for Online Dating: How You Can Keep Your Data Safe on Dating Apps

Did you know that using dating apps or websites puts more than just your heart at risk? These platforms collect vast amounts of sensitive data, from contact details to sexual orientation. Protecting your privacy while searching for the perfect match is crucial, and Surfshark offers a solution. But first, let’s explore the risks associated with sharing your data on dating apps.

Dating Apps Know Where You Are — And They Can Expose It

One significant risk of using dating apps is the potential exposure of your personal information. These platforms gather a wealth of sensitive data, yet they often lack robust security measures. When you register with your contact details, this information is stored in databases that could be vulnerable to data breaches or security flaws.

Once your data is shared with an app or website, its privacy relies on the security measures that the platform employs, which can be questionable. If this data is leaked, you could face various negative consequences, including spam calls, targeted scams, stalking, and even identity theft.

Moreover, your phone number and email are often linked to your most important accounts, such as bank accounts and social media profiles. Protecting this data is essential to prevent scammers from exploiting it to access your accounts.

Security vulnerabilities are also a significant concern, as they can expose your exact location to third parties. For example, a recent investigation by Check Point Research uncovered a security flaw that allows anyone to pinpoint the exact location from which a user is connected to their dating app.

Keep Your Privacy Intact: Use Alternative Number

Given these privacy risks, how can you protect your information while still enjoying the use of dating apps? The best approach is to avoid sharing your real details altogether. That’s why Surfshark created Alternative ID and Alternative Number.

Alternative ID is a privacy solution that allows you to generate an alternative persona and email address for online use. Its premium feature, Alternative Number, enables you to generate a virtual phone number, masking your real one. With these tools, you can register for dating apps and websites without revealing your real email and phone number, keeping your data safe from insecure databases. Most importantly, you can continue swiping and searching for your match securely!

Additionally, when connecting with potential dates, you might be hesitant to share your personal information. You can use your Alternative Number for this — all calls and messages will be securely forwarded to your real number, maintaining your privacy.

Worried Your Data Has Already Been Leaked? Try Alert and Incogni

If you’ve already shared your information with dating websites and are now concerned about data leaks, don’t worry — Surfshark offers solutions to help you protect your privacy.

Alert is Surfshark’s data leak detection tool, designed to monitor your most critical details, such as email addresses, credit cards, or IDs. If your personal information is found in a breached database, Alert will immediately notify you and guide you on what to do next. This way, you can stay informed about your account safety and act quickly to prevent further damage.

For those who receive frequent spam calls or scam attempts and are concerned that their information is already widely available in various databases, Incogni can help. Incogni is a data removal service that assists in removing your personal information from data brokers’ databases. With Incogni, you can regain control of your personal information and stop data brokers from continuing to exploit it.

Keep Matching and Stay Secure

While dating apps and websites pose significant privacy risks, many people will continue to use them, often overlooking these dangers. However, with security solutions like Alternative Number, you can swipe with confidence, knowing your personal information isn’t stored on the dating app’s database or shared with strangers. Start using Alternative Number and keep your search for the perfect match safe and secure!