Can a Dating App Be Liable for Facilitating Sexual Abuse?

Dating apps can sometimes be liable for facilitating sexual abuse, but only in very specific instances. Suing the dating app may yield the settlement you need to heal, and we can see if it is an option for you.

If the dating app had previous reports of a user’s inappropriate or abusive behavior by other users but did not ban them, leading to more assaults, it could be liable. The dating app could also be liable if it advertised safety features to identify red flags, but those features did not work as advertised. If liable, the dating app can be forced to pay economic, non-economic, and even punitive damages.

Call The Law Office of Andrew Shubin’s lawyers for victims of sexual abuse at (814) 826-3586 for your free case review.

When Can Dating Apps Be Liable for Facilitating Sexual Abuse?

Holding dating apps liable for sexual abuse is challenging because of the broad protections under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which shields apps and other platforms from liability for users’ actions. That doesn’t mean you can never hold a dating app liable for sexual abuse, however, and our lawyers can see what’s true in your case.

Failure to Remove User

Suppose an individual on a dating app has been reported by other users before for sexual harassment, assault, or abuse. Upon getting these reports, the dating app has a duty to protect other users and should remove the individual, banning them from the platform.

Ignoring reports about sexual misconduct can make a dating app partially liable for future abuse.

Negligent Security Features

Some dating apps advertise security features to help protect users from sexual assault or abuse, such as facial recognition for identity verification, in-app reporting and blocking features, and even AI tools that flag inappropriate messages in real time. If the promised security features don’t function or don’t exist, the dating app may be held liable in court for a sexual abuse victim’s damages.

What Damages Are Dating Apps Liable for in Sexual Abuse Cases?

When dating apps bear liability for sexual abuse, victims can sue for tangible and intangible damages. Punitive damages may even be available in egregious scenarios.

Tangible Damages

Sexual assault, abuse, or harassment can have tangible consequences for victims. You may need medical attention as well as therapy to recover emotionally. Some sexual assault survivors can no longer work and support themselves because of their trauma, entitling them to compensation for missed wages.

Intangible Damages

Intangible damages can be the most distressing for sexual abuse victims. The pain and suffering from an assault can be hard to quantify without our help. Let us assess and estimate your non-economic damages so you don’t underestimate these damages.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages may be available in a sexual abuse lawsuit involving a dating app, depending on your state’s laws. Punitive damages don’t compensate you for damages, but instead punish the defendant for their conduct. Getting punitive damages from a dating app can be challenging, but not necessarily impossible with our help.

FAQs About Holding a Dating App Liable for Sexual Abuse

How Long Do You Have to Hold a Dating App Liable for Sexual Abuse?

Some states have specific statutes of limitations for adult sexual abuse cases, while others use the same personal injury statute of limitations for sexual abuse claims. Our lawyers for victims of sexual abuse can confirm the filing window for your case and ensure you file it within it.

How Do You Know Whether a Dating App is Liable for Sexual Abuse?

More parties than you anticipate may be liable for sexual abuse, including the dating app that facilitated it. We can review your case and identify everyone who shares liability for sexual abuse and owes you compensation.

What Evidence Helps You Hold a Dating App Liable for Sexual Abuse?

Documentation of previous reports, proof that the abusive user was not banned after reports, evidence of false safety feature promises, police reports, screenshots of in-app conversations, and the report you filed with the dating app are all useful evidence in a sexual abuse lawsuit involving a dating app.

What Damages Can You Get from a Dating App for Sexual Abuse?

When you are able to hold a dating app liable for sexual abuse, you can seek compensation for economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages include medical bills, therapy expenses, lost wages, and more. Non-economic damages from sexual abuse are long-lasting, causing lifelong pain and suffering.

Do You Need a Lawyer to Hold a Dating App Liable for Sexual Abuse?

You most likely need a lawyer to determine whether or not suing a dating app for the sexual abuse you endured is even possible. If it is, you also need a lawyer to prove the dating app’s liability.

What Must You Prove to Hold a Dating App Liable for Sexual Abuse?

To hold a dating app liable for sexual abuse, we must meet the preponderance of the evidence standard for civil cases. This means convincing the judge or jury that, more likely than not, the dating app is liable for sexual abuse.

Can You Always Hold a Dating App Liable for Sexual Abuse?

You can’t always hold a dating app liable for sexual abuse because of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, so don’t assume you can before confirming with us whether or not you have a case.

What if You Can’t Hold a Dating App Liable for Sexual Abuse?

If you can’t hold the dating app liable for sexual abuse, our lawyers can help you bring a case solely against the individual abuser. Holding both parties accountable when possible may maximize your recovery.

Our Lawyers Can Help You Hold a Dating App Liable for Sexual Abuse

The Law Office of Andrew Shubin’s lawyers for victims of sexual abuse can evaluate your case for free when you call us at (814) 826-3586.