The rise of “catch a cheater” apps exploits our worst human tendencies
- Popular “catch a cheater” apps like Cheaterbuster and CheatEye use facial recognition technology to trace dating profiles, often without users’ knowledge or consent.
- These apps charge a one-time fee to locate a Tinder profile with just a name or photo of the person’s face, sometimes for as low as $18.
- The use of facial recognition technology raises concerns about privacy and security, as it can be used to identify individuals without their explicit consent.
- Many users are unaware that their profiles are searchable by these apps, which can lead to a loss of trust in online dating platforms.
- The rise of “catch a cheater” apps exploits our worst human tendencies, such as the desire for revenge or control over an ex-partner’s life.
When people sign up for a dating site like Tinder, they don’t expect their profiles and personal information to be searchable – especially by a scorned lover, or worse. But that’s what popular apps like Cheaterbuster or CheatEye seem to be doing under the guise of being able to “catch cheaters.”
Last week, 404 Media published a report about apps that apparently use facial recognition technology to trace dating profiles of private citizens as evidence that these partners are unfaithful. Many of these services charge a one-time fee to locate a Tinder profile with just a name or a photo of the person’s face. (Some searches can run you $18 a tr …
Read the full story at The Verge.
Q. What is the purpose of apps like Cheaterbuster or CheatEye?
A. These apps claim to “catch cheaters” but actually exploit users’ worst human tendencies by tracing dating profiles and identifying potential infidelity.
Q. How do these apps work?
A. They use facial recognition technology to locate Tinder profiles, often charging a one-time fee for the service.
Q. What is the cost of using some of these services?
A. Some searches can run up to $18 per search, with additional fees depending on the level of information required.
Q. Are these apps legitimate or exploitative?
A. The article suggests that these apps are exploitative, taking advantage of users’ private information and emotions for financial gain.
Q. What is being done to protect users from these types of services?
A. There is no clear indication in the provided text that any measures are being taken to regulate or prevent these apps from exploiting users.
Q. How do people sign up for dating sites like Tinder, unaware of their profiles’ searchability?
A. Users typically don’t expect their profiles and personal information to be searchable by others, especially not by a scorned lover or someone seeking revenge.
Q. What is the potential impact on users who are targeted by these apps?
A. The article implies that these apps can cause emotional distress and harm to individuals who are unknowingly targeted by facial recognition searches.
Q. Are there any laws or regulations governing the use of facial recognition technology in this context?
A. There is no mention of specific laws or regulations being applied to these types of services in the provided text.
Q. How can users protect themselves from these types of apps?
A. The article does not provide explicit guidance on how to avoid using these services, but it highlights the need for greater awareness and regulation around facial recognition technology.
Q. What is the broader implication of this issue?
A. The rise of “catch a cheater” apps raises concerns about the exploitation of personal data, emotional manipulation, and the potential for abuse in online dating platforms.