Tinder agreed to add a sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing locator to its dating app, to end a battle with a non-profit sexual health advocacy group. The company settled its squabble with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation on January 21, Thursday by adding links to STD testing sites.
Tinder's website now includes a link to the STD testing locator in the Health Safety section, according to The Verge. It can also be accessed in the app's FAQ page.
Last fall the battle between Tinder and AHF started. The Los Angeles-based organization launched billboards and ads in Los Angeles and New York City linking Tinder with STDs such as gonorrhea, according to NBC News.
AHF released a statement noting an increase in STDs in 2014 including gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis for the first time since 2006. It was based on a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The sexual health advocacy group spotlighted that CDC's report stated that most of the STD infections in 2014 were among young people. AHF noted that many youngsters use their mobile phones all day.
Tinder responded after the billboards were set up. It sent the non-profit group a "cease and desist" letter.
Tinder has refused to comment about the legal letter. However in a statement it argued that sexual health and safety are important in a healthy relationship.
The dating app company pointed out that the CDC never made a link between the Tinder app and an increase in STDs. However, it shared that it supports organizations like AHF that provide public education about the subject.
The non-profit organization is now taking down its billboards and advertisements. That is due to Tinder adding the STD testing site finder to its software.
AHF praised the Tinder app's new Health Safety section that includes a link to Healthvana. It hopes other hookup apps will take a similar step.
Some sexual health experts believe Tinder's rising popularity is related to the spread of STDs such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, the connection is not clear.
A study last year in Rhode Island noted a 79 percent spike in syphilis cases from 2013 to 2014. It partly blamed dating apps and social media.