Dating App Location Privacy: Dissertation Research
Research Title
"Danger From Zero Metres Away: Public Perceptions of the Safety, Risk and Misuse of Live-location-based Dating Applications"
Supervisor: Laura Sibret
Status: In Progress (Expected completion: 2026)
Methodology: Mixed-methods survey research
Research Overview
This dissertation examines the intersection of location-based technology, user privacy, and criminal exploitation in modern dating applications. The research focuses on public awareness of safety risks inherent in live geolocation features, particularly in applications like Grindr.
Research Questions
The study investigates:
- Public Awareness: How aware are users of the safety risks associated with live-location sharing in dating apps?
- Underage Access: What vulnerabilities exist regarding age verification and underage user protection?
- Criminal Exploitation: How can malicious actors leverage geolocation data for targeting and harassment?
- Risk Perception: How do users perceive and respond to privacy and safety warnings?
Methodology
Survey Design
- Mixed-methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative data
- Target population: Dating app users and non-users
- Focus on perception vs. actual understanding of risks
- Ethics approval obtained through university review process
Research Framework
The study employs criminological theory to analyse: - Temporal asymmetries between criminal adaptation and institutional responses - Routine activity theory applied to digital spaces - Risk perception and behavioural change in technology use
Key Focus Areas
Geolocation Vulnerability
Examining how real-time location sharing creates opportunities for: - Physical stalking and harassment - Location triangulation attacks - Targeted criminal activity - Privacy violations
Age Verification Gaps
Investigating weaknesses in: - User registration processes - Age verification mechanisms - Underage access prevention - Platform accountability
Criminal Targeting Strategies
Analysing how location data enables: - Victim identification and selection - Pattern analysis for criminal purposes - Exploitation of user trust - Systematic harassment campaigns
Broader Implications
This research contributes to understanding:
Technology and Crime
- How emerging technologies create new criminal opportunities
- The gap between technological capability and user understanding
- Platform responsibility in user safety
Policy Considerations
- Regulatory frameworks for location-based services
- Age verification requirements
- User protection standards
- Corporate accountability
User Education
- Effective risk communication strategies
- Privacy literacy in dating app contexts
- Behavioural interventions for safer usage
Skills Demonstrated
This dissertation showcases: - Advanced research methodology design - Ethics approval and responsible research conduct - Criminological theory application to cyber contexts - Mixed-methods data analysis - Technical understanding of geolocation systems - Academic writing and literature synthesis
Research Status
This research is currently in progress. Findings and conclusions will be added upon completion in 2026.
Academic Context
This work sits at the intersection of: - Criminology: Understanding criminal behaviour and victimisation - Cybersecurity: Technical vulnerabilities in location services - Social Science: User behaviour and risk perception - Technology Policy: Regulatory frameworks and platform governance
The research aims to provide practical insights for both technical security improvements and policy development in the dating app industry.
Future Directions
Following this dissertation, potential research extensions include: - Comparative analysis across different dating platforms - Technical assessment of location privacy mechanisms - Longitudinal studies of user behaviour change - Policy recommendation development