Age Assurance in the UK

Starting in July, anyone using Grindr in the UK will be asked to confirm that they are 18 or over. This update reflects a new requirement under the UK Government’s Online Safety Act. The Act mandates that platforms and services intended for adults use age assurance methods to ensure only those aged 18 and up can access their services.
This age assurance process reinforces what Grindr has always been: a space for queer adults.
How Grindr Meets the Standard
We’ve designed Grindr’s new age check to prioritize privacy and safety while making the experience as straightforward as possible. Here’s what you can expect:
- Choose how you verify. To confirm they are 18 or older, those using Grindr in the UK can complete a quick video selfie or pair a video selfie with an official photo ID.
- One-time, account-bound flow. The process only needs to be completed once per Grindr account. Anyone signing up will be prompted during registration, and those already on Grindr—or opening the app while in the UK—will be asked to complete it as well.
- No access until the process is completed. Those in the UK will not be able to access Grindr until they complete the age assurance process.
- In partnership with FaceTec. Grindr utilizes biometric verification technology from Facetec, while independently managing all data processing to ensure your privacy is protected and access is restricted to adults.
Accepted photo IDs
If you opt or are prompted to use the method that matches an official photo ID with a video selfie, the following official photo IDs are accepted:
- Provisional Driver’s License
- Driver’s License
- International Driver’s License
- Passport
- British Army ID Card
- PASS Proof of Age Card
- Residence Permit
- Young Scot National Entitlement Card
- Northern Ireland Electoral ID Card
- United Nations Refugee ID Card
- United Nations Driver’s License
How Your Privacy Stays Intact
To protect your privacy, any documents and videos you provide are only used for age assurance, are securely encrypted during the process, and are permanently deleted once age assurance is complete. Grindr will not retain the documents or videos you provide. Grindr only retains information about which age assurance method you choose and whether you passed or failed.
What About Outside the UK?
If you’re outside the UK, you won’t see this verification flow unless you open Grindr while visiting the UK. In that case, the process will apply just the same.
The bottom line
This is a fast, one-time check that helps keep Grindr safe, secure, and for adults only. We’ll continue monitoring global standards and evolving our tools to prioritize user safety, privacy, and rights.