Skip to content

Dissertation: Dating App Location Privacy

Full Title

"Danger From Zero Metres Away: Public Perceptions of the Safety, Risk and Misuse of Live-location-based Dating Applications"

Research Details

Supervisor: Laura Sibret
Institution: University of Portsmouth
Programme: BSc Criminology and Cybercrime
Expected Completion: Summer 2026
Current Status: Ethics approval obtained, survey design in progress

Abstract

This dissertation examines public awareness and perception of safety risks in live-location-based dating applications, with particular focus on platforms like Grindr. The research investigates how users understand (or fail to understand) the criminal exploitation potential of real-time geolocation features, vulnerabilities in age verification systems, and the methods by which malicious actors can leverage location data for targeting.

Through mixed-methods survey research, this study bridges criminological theory and cybersecurity practice, analysing the temporal asymmetry between criminal adaptation to new technologies and institutional/user responses.

Research Framework

Theoretical Foundation

Criminological Perspectives: - Routine Activity Theory applied to digital spaces - Crime opportunity theory in technological contexts - Risk perception and behavioural adaptation - Temporal asymmetries in criminal vs. institutional adaptation

Cybersecurity Analysis: - Technical vulnerabilities in geolocation systems - Privacy implications of real-time location sharing - Age verification system weaknesses - Platform security architecture

Research Questions

  1. How aware are dating app users of location-based privacy and safety risks?
  2. What vulnerabilities exist in age verification mechanisms for dating platforms?
  3. How can criminal actors leverage geolocation data for targeting and exploitation?
  4. What is the gap between actual risk and user risk perception?
  5. How do users respond to safety warnings and privacy controls?

Methodology

Research Design

Approach: Mixed-methods survey research combining: - Quantitative data on user awareness and behaviour - Qualitative data on risk perception and concerns - Comparative analysis across user demographics - Technical assessment of platform security features

Ethics and Compliance

  • University ethics approval obtained
  • Participant consent and data protection protocols
  • Anonymous response collection
  • Responsible handling of sensitive topics

Target Population

  • Current and former dating app users
  • Non-users for comparative analysis
  • Focus on awareness levels across demographics
  • Geographic focus: UK-based respondents

Key Themes

Geolocation Vulnerability

Examining real-time location sharing risks: - Location triangulation attacks - Physical stalking and harassment potential - Privacy violation vectors - User awareness of technical capabilities

Age Verification Failures

Investigating underage access vulnerabilities: - Registration process weaknesses - Identity verification gaps - Platform accountability - Regulatory compliance issues

Criminal Exploitation Strategies

Analysing malicious use of location data: - Victim identification and targeting - Pattern analysis for criminal purposes - Systematic harassment campaigns - Exploitation of user trust

Risk Communication

Assessing effectiveness of safety measures: - User response to warnings - Privacy control utilisation - Behavioural change triggers - Education and awareness gaps

Preliminary Findings

To be updated as research progresses

Research is currently in survey design and ethics approval stages. Data collection will commence in early 2026.

Academic Contribution

This dissertation contributes to:

Criminology

  • Application of traditional criminal theory to digital contexts
  • Understanding of technology-enabled crime
  • Risk perception in online environments
  • User vulnerability factors

Cybersecurity

  • Practical analysis of location-based service security
  • Privacy implications of emerging technologies
  • Platform security assessment
  • User-facing security design

Policy Development

  • Evidence base for regulatory frameworks
  • Platform accountability considerations
  • Age verification requirements
  • User protection standards

Research Skills Demonstrated

Methodological: - Mixed-methods research design - Survey instrument development - Ethics approval process - Data analysis planning

Technical: - Understanding of geolocation technologies - Privacy and security analysis - Platform architecture assessment - Vulnerability identification

Academic: - Literature review and synthesis - Theoretical framework development - Academic writing standards - Research project management

Timeline

Autumn 2025: Ethics approval, survey design
Early 2026: Data collection
Spring 2026: Analysis and writing
Summer 2026: Submission and defence

This dissertation builds upon: - Previous academic work on IoT security vulnerabilities - Research into social engineering and human factors - Professional experience in cybersecurity consulting - Current work on identity security at Reversec

The research represents the culmination of a degree programme combining criminological theory with practical cybersecurity expertise.

For detailed research methodology and findings, see the full research page.