Topic

Laws & regulation

APP UPDATES

Apple will rate every dating app 18+, and AI companions that flirt are included

From 16 November, App Store developers must say whether their apps offer dating, AI romance or live location sharing. Dating and relationship apps, including flirtatious AI companions, will carry a minimum 18+ rating, with every app due to comply by 12 January 2027.

By On Dating Journal Editors Published 04.11.20263 min read

A smartphone with a lit-up screen in a dark room

REGULATION · 30.10.2026

New York bans AI chatbots from posing as a child’s friend or partner, and age checks are coming for everyone

Signed on 28 October, New York's new law stops AI chatbots claiming romantic or personal relationships with under-18s and forces companies to check ages before switching those features on. It takes effect on 1 January 2027 and may reach ChatGPT-style assistants as well as companion apps.

A smartphone with a red screen showing the time, suggesting a subscription renewal reminder

REGULATION · 24.10.2026

UK subscription rules: dating apps must send renewal reminders and allow easy cancellation from 2027

Draft regulations laid on 19 October set out how the UK's crackdown on subscription traps will work from 1 January 2027, from reminders before a free trial ends to a second 14-day cooling-off period after renewals.

A hand holding a smartphone with a cracked screen in low light

REGULATION · 24.10.2026

New US law will make dating apps warn users who chatted with banned scammers

Signed on 20 October, the Romance Scam Prevention Act gives US dating services a year to start alerting anyone who exchanged messages with an account later banned for fraud, usually within 24 hours.

Couple smiling at each other at a street café table

REGULATION · 02.10.2026

California’s Adam’s Law brings age checks and time limits to AI companion apps

Signed on 10 September, the law requires companion chatbot operators to establish users' ages and sets strict defaults for children, from usage caps to bans on romantic roleplay.

Two people holding hands over coffee cups

REGULATION · 11.09.2026

Grindr to pay £26m to settle UK claim over alleged sharing of users’ HIV status

Nearly 12,000 UK users brought the case, which concerned Grindr's data practices before 2020. The company admits no liability but acknowledges a 'loss of trust'.