Adult dating: what to check before signing up

Adult platforms vary more widely in quality and honesty than mainstream dating apps, and the consequences of picking a bad one are higher. These are the checks worth doing first.

Vetting a platform

• Find the company behind it and where it is registered. If you cannot, that is the finding.
• Read the billing terms before creating an account, not after.
• Check whether “free” includes messaging or only browsing.
• Look for a real reporting mechanism and a stated moderation policy.
• Be sceptical of profiles that message you within seconds of signup.

Privacy on adult platforms

• Use a dedicated email address and a username not linked to any other account.
• Do not reuse photos that appear on your public social media — reverse image search works both ways.
• Check whether the platform allows you to control who sees your photos.
• Assume any image you upload may persist somewhere after deletion.

Consent and legality

• Everyone involved must be 18 or over. There is no grey area and no benefit of the doubt.
• Sharing intimate images of anyone without their explicit consent is illegal in most jurisdictions.
• Recording without consent is illegal in most jurisdictions.
• Report anything suggesting a minor is involved immediately.