Match Group is bringing Tinder’s free background checks to 2 of the opposite relationship apps it owns: Match (previously Match.com) and Stir, a relationship web site for single dad and mom (via CNBC). The system works just like the way in which it does on Tinder: individuals can use it to see if whoever they’re speaking to or planning to fulfill up with has a historical past of “violent and harmful behavior,” as the corporate’s press launch places it, although there may be some nuance there that we’ll discuss in a bit.

When Match Group added this function to Tinder earlier this 12 months, there was a little bit of a multi-step course of to working one of many checks. The firm says the method ought to be a bit simpler on the Match service — when you’re speaking to somebody about assembly up, a field will pop up asking if you wish to run a background examine. Tapping on the hyperlink to take action will present you some further info and security ideas, then hand you off to Garbo, the service that truly runs the background checks.

Once you’re there, you’ll should enter information concerning the individual you’re attempting to run a examine on, equivalent to their first and final names, telephone quantity, birthday, location, and so forth. Match received’t present any of this info itself, in keeping with a help document, so that you’ll both should realize it already or get it from the individual you’re attempting to run a background examine on. Obviously, that could be simpler mentioned than achieved with out arousing suspicions.

The cost construction for the background checks is similar to Tinder’s — common customers will have the ability to run two background checks without spending a dime and should pay Garbo for subsequent ones. Premium subscribers will get 4 free background checks.

Many people will already know this, but it surely’s value repeating: whereas background checks is usually a useful device, you shouldn’t simply belief somebody as a result of an app provides them the all-clear. Match Group says that Garbo’s outcomes are nuanced — they have a look at issues like arrests, convictions, and intercourse offender registry knowledge however received’t essentially flag issues that “have a disproportionate impact on marginalized groups,” equivalent to convictions regarding drug possession or intercourse work — however there’s no assure they’ll catch the whole lot.

It’s all the time greatest apply to let a couple of individuals know while you’re going to fulfill up with a stranger and provides them some type of time window while you anticipate to be residence. And if the vibes are off, both take further precautions or skip the meetup completely.