Bring Back Block Feature—A Critical Safety Tool
Grindr's recent removal of the 'block' feature in favor of 'hide' poses a significant safety risk for users who rely on clear boundaries. While 'hide' allows users to remain visible to potentially harmful individuals, the 'block' feature provided a much-needed, stronger barrier against harassment and stalking. For many users, the ability to completely sever contact with dangerous individuals is not just a convenience—it's a vital safety measure. Reintroducing 'block' would give users full control over their interactions and enhance their sense of security while using the app. Prioritizing safety by bringing back the 'block' feature will demonstrate Grindr's commitment to creating a secure environment for all users.
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Stephen Puskas commented
I've unsubscribed from comments here. I've posted a comment about how removing the block feature has been unsafe as someone who's been stalking me just created a new profile and can keep looking at my profile. I couldn't block them so I tried hiding their profile, but they much have added my profile to their favourites because they keep looking at my profile. All I've gotten are more comments from other users complaining about this while there is no response from Grindr so my only option is to uninstall Grindr and walk away from this app.
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christian chapman commented
Put the block back in. Hiding is appropriating a b.s. culture of adrenaline and loud junkies. I actually block profiles & people before they ever say anything. Grindr is apparently a church or something.
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Michael Hill commented
You can still block. They just have to message you. You can’t block people who haven’t messaged you.
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Ahmed Mohammed commented
30 مارس 2025 4:31 مساءً · تقرير
بصفتي مستخدمًا لتطبيق Grindr ومدافعًا عن السلامة الرقمية، لا يسعني إلا أن أعرب عن قلقي البالغ إزاء إزالة ميزة "الحظر" مؤخرًا واستبدالها بميزة "الإخفاء". لا يقتصر هذا القرار على تحديات تتعلق بسهولة الاستخدام فحسب، بل يُحمّل Grindr مسؤوليات قانونية جسيمة ومخاطر على السلامة العامة. -
Alex Flores commented
As a user of Grindr and an advocate for digital safety, I must express serious concern over the recent removal of the “block” feature in favor of a “hide” function. This decision introduces not only usability challenges but significant legal liabilities and public safety risks for Grindr as a platform.
The block feature serves as a vital digital boundary. It allows users to prevent any form of communication, viewing, or further contact with individuals they have identified as harassing, threatening, or unsafe. In contrast, the “hide” feature only removes the user from view but does not prevent the hidden party from interacting or re-engaging should they find the user again — especially by creating new accounts or viewing from different devices. This substantially weakens user protections.
From a legal standpoint, removing the block feature may expose Grindr to liability under negligence and duty-of-care doctrines, particularly in jurisdictions with strong data protection and consumer safety laws (such as the EU’s GDPR, California’s CCPA, and various state-level consumer protection laws in the U.S.). By knowingly reducing protective features, Grindr could be seen as failing to uphold its duty to provide a reasonably safe platform, especially for vulnerable populations.
Furthermore, there are potential Title IX, anti-stalking, and anti-harassment implications for users in educational institutions or public entities. If a user reports harassment or stalking and the platform lacks a meaningful way to fully block or prevent further interactions, Grindr may be viewed as complicit through omission.
Also concerning is the potential impact on at-risk LGBTQ+ users in hostile regions. In some parts of the world, Grindr is used with extreme caution, and the block feature is not a convenience but a lifeline. The absence of a strong blocking mechanism could result in doxxing, blackmail, physical harm, or even criminal prosecution. This exposes Grindr to international human rights scrutiny and further reputational damage.
In light of these issues, I strongly urge Grindr to reinstate the block feature immediately, with clear policies for enforcement and user protections. Doing so will:
• Reinforce Grindr’s legal standing and reduce exposure to civil liability.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the safety and well-being of all users.
• Comply with global expectations for digital safety and responsible platform governance.Users should not have to sacrifice their right to personal security in the digital space. Grindr has a moral, ethical, and legal obligation to restore this essential safety tool.
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G S commented
The block feature is essential. The "hide" feature is stupid. And now you moved the favorites ...again. .bad decision...bring it back to the way it was...so much easier!
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Simon Bampton commented
This change is ridiculous, if I don't want to see someone I don't want to simply 'hide' them, I choose to Block them. The changed 'Favorites' tab is useless too. Grindr don't just change things for the sake of it. Take things back to how they were. Is anyone listening? I somehow doubt it. 🤬
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LS commented
Ok, thecapp is ruined. Moving favorites tab, the new annoying ads that won’t go away, the exorbitant price for unlimited (which should be ad free!), the alerts that aren’t real, the selfish boost feature, the poorly thought out right now (no one is telling the truth there), Changing Block to Hide is absolutely last straw. I am cancelling and moving to other apps, where I can join two for the unlimited price here. Grindr you are not THAT popular you can’t listen to long time, top paying customers. I am out unless you roll these back.
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Anonymous commented
Critical for safety and the USERS should choose who gets blocked, NOT the app/developers. The favorites tab, the "hide" feature and other recent updates have taken away functionality and choice from your app. This is NOT the way people!!!
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Toph commented
What a terrible decision, made without regard for the safety of users, just to try to squeeze more cash out of queers.
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Christopher Riney commented
I cannot believe this was even a CONSIDERATION to this app and very,very disappointed and honestly p*ssed off, again in Grindr for making this saftey issue for its users(Especially without notice or any memo in its placement ). I just today had a Dangerous person I had to legally take action against, see me and my close (pretty much DEAD ON) LOCATION and show up and long story short, damage some property, make a scene and now after relocating due.to this.guy... have a real bad situation and now, owe my nieghnors an explanation as too why whis happened. I just moves here.... sorry, long story brief ish..... disappointed grindr. Fee increased and basic BASIC BaSIC!!!!! Features now not only a paid feature, but not available at all anymore. *uck u guys sometimes. Sorry Grndr. Not happy with u rn.
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Thomas commented
The ability to block profiles is absolutely crucial in dating apps.
Every user MUST be able to decide for themselves who they are visible to.
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Starlight96 commented
Get rid of Hide, it’s completely useless. Block is safer and more useful.
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lebp commented
Bring back the block tf. Who thought this would be a good idea
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Barry B commented
I’m tired of paying a membership fee for this app. What a joke - increase the fee and find ways to take away the basic features. How about being innovative with something ‘new’ vs finding what you’re gonna takeaway or move under a new icon and confuse members??
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Charles Raspberrys commented
The new favorite tab sucks! Just rollback boys don’t even try to fix it simply sucks…
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Simon Bampton commented
Bring back the Block feature, it is important. Sometimes I get the 'block' option, sometimes 'hide' which doesn't always work! This is a critical feature, who's dumb idea was it to remove this? Angry 🤬
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Michael Dunn commented
The choice to block is an essential function of any social media platform. The fact the developers thought they could remove the block button is ridiculous. As someone who gets harassed on this app it is impossible to use now, and I will be deleting my unlimited account.
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D commented
Moronic to remove this feature. Seems like every few months Grindr makes us pay for something that was free 20 years ago on gaydar lmao
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George Ritter (Geo) commented
PLEASE BRING BACK BLOCK THEY KEEP THREATENING TO RAPE AND KILL ME AND I CANT BLOCK THEM?????