Grindr, the world's most accessed LGBTQIA+ dating app, has launched a new age verification requirement for users in Brazil, starting Friday, October 20. This initiative aligns with the Digital Child and Adolescent Statute (ECA) that comes into effect in the country in March 2024. The company has communicated that this step aims to ensure the service's compliance with laws that protect minors online, emphasizing its commitment to safety and privacy for users aged 18 and older.

Users of Grindr have begun receiving notifications about this new requirement, which mandates a one-time verification for anyone using the platform within Brazilian territory, regardless of nationality. Until the verification process is completed, users' profiles will remain blocked, preventing access to the app. This move reflects the growing trend among social platforms to enhance user safety and align with governmental regulations focused on the protection of minors in the digital space.

Grindr has partnered with FaceTec for biometric verification technology to facilitate this process while ensuring a level of independence in data management. With Brazil being one of Grindr's ten largest markets, this implementation indicates the app's strategic focus on complying with local laws while maintaining its user base and ensuring secure interactions within the LGBTQIA+ community in the country.