DS DIGITAL SHIELD – A hacker claims to be selling a database containing information on ~15 M Grindr users. The data is said to include names, email addresses, account details, location data, physical attributes, sexual orientation, gender, date of birth, and HIV-related information. The alleged database is being offered for $400 on a dark web forum. The claims have not been independently verified, and Grindr had not publicly commented at the time of publication.
MYBROADBAND – DatingBuzz, one of South Africa’s largest dating sites, has denied claims that its systems were breached after a hacker forum post alleged that ~670K user records were being offered for sale. DatingBuzz operator DatingLab said it was unaware of any breach and noted that the alleged dataset contained fields and features not used by its platform. The claims could not be verified, and cybersecurity experts suggested the post may have been generated using AI as part of a growing trend of fake data leak listings.
SEEKING ALPHA – Hello Group reported Q1 revenue of RMB 2.39B ($353M) and a profit of RMB 328.8M ($49M). The company expects Q2 revenue of RMB 2.45B – 2.55B ($362M – $377M) and maintains its target of reaching RMB 3B ($444M) in overseas revenue this year. Management said domestic results continue to be affected by tax-related pressures, while overseas growth remains on track despite recent challenges in Turkey and the Middle East. The company is also continuing to roll out new AI and social discovery features across Momo and Tantan.
BIZ TODAY – Maxion, the UAE-based dating app, has unveiled a new strategic vision, “Real Dates, Real People,” where professionals can browse live dates, select one, and meet in real time. The revamped app is responding to growing dating app fatigue by shifting its focus from traditional matching to real-world interactions. As part of the initiative, founder and CEO Christiana Maxion has launched a content series called Dating in Dubai, which explores modern relationships and dating culture among professionals navigating Dubai’s expat-driven social scene.
BUSINESS INSIDER – Bumble is launching a paid group-dating feature called Plans in New York, allowing small groups of users to meet in person through events organized within the app. Participants pay an RSVP fee, can bring a paying guest, and are later able to match with attendees they connected with. The move follows similar initiatives from Tinder, including Double Date and Events, as major dating platforms increasingly blend online matching with offline social interaction.
PRNEWSWIRE – LoveAbility has launched a dating app designed for people navigating mental and physical health challenges. Created by Arkansas-based therapist Amy Freer, the platform emphasizes empathy, communication, and user comfort through features such as avatar-based profiles, delayed photo sharing, anti-ghosting prompts, coaching resources, and social-media-style community pages. LoveAbility is currently free through July 31, after which it plans to charge $15/month.
MASHABLE – Hily is pushing back against the dating industry’s AI trend by promoting “Human Intelligence” (HI) instead. The move comes as apps like Bumble and Tinder invest more heavily in AI features. According to Hily’s August 2025 survey, 69% of Gen Z and 74% of millennials believe AI makes dating less authentic. More than half said they would be less attracted to someone if they thought AI had been used to create their profile. Despite this, many daters still use AI to write bios or suggest conversation starters. Hily says it will use technology where useful, but does not want AI to replace the human side of dating.
OPW – In this edition, Mark Brooks will interview Stephen Whitehead about his latest book, The End of Sex. The conversation will explore changing attitudes toward relationships, sexuality and marriage, along with broader social trends affecting modern intimacy and gender dynamics.
Dr. Whitehead is a sociologist, educationalist and internationally recognised expert on gender studies, gender identity, and men and masculinities. He is the author of 20 books and the creator and co-creator of several concepts related to inclusivity, femininity and masculinity studies.
After that, Mark will present The State of the Dating Industry in 2026 – Turning the Tide, sharing key trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the industry today.
If you hold a full-time leadership role at an online dating, social discovery, or matchmaking company, you are welcome to join LTR events for free.
Why attend LTR?
🏠 Flexible: Attend from anywhere – no travel required.
⏰ Convenient: Live session. 90 minutes.
💰 Free: No registration fees.
See the LTR Edition 52 speakers and invite page here.
This event is kindly sponsored by HubPeople, LeadThink, and Matchmaker.com.
Email mark@courtlandbrooks.com to RSVP.
INDEPENDENT.CO.UK – Breeze is gaining traction by reducing swiping and moving matches directly into real-world dates. Instead of long chat conversations, the app schedules dates at partner venues, limits daily matches, and restricts cancellations. It is currently the third most popular dating app in the Netherlands, behind Tinder and Bumble. Several users interviewed said the format helped them avoid ghosting, endless messaging, and missed opportunities. One couple who met through Breeze have since bought a home together, while others said the app encouraged them to go on dates they might otherwise have cancelled.
NEWSWEEK – A survey by Hily found that pets are increasingly becoming relationship deal-breakers. Among pet owners, 82% said they would choose their pet over a relationship if forced to decide, while 75% said they would end a relationship rather than give up a pet because of a partner’s allergies. Pets also influence dating before a first date takes place. A cute pet photo makes a profile more attractive to 65% of Gen Z and 55% of millennials.