SUBJECT: REPORT OF SUSPECTED DRUG-RELATED ACTIVITY, RECRUITMENT, SOLICITATION, AND PROMOTION THROUGH GRINDR

Dear Grindr Trust & Safety and Moderation Team,

I am writing to formally report the suspected use of the Grindr platform to promote, advertise, offer, and recruit individuals for activities involving illegal drugs and controlled substances.

I have observed profiles, particularly among Brazilian users, that appear to use coded expressions, abbreviations, symbols, and combinations of emojis as potential identifiers or indirect references to illicit substances and drug-related activities.

The symbols and expressions observed include:

Emojis:

• ⚡️
• 💉
• 💊
• 🍂
• 🍁

Coded expressions and abbreviations:

• F1 / F.1
• “Por mágico”
• “Tenho a boa”

These expressions appear in profile descriptions and other user communications. In certain contexts, they may function as coded references to drugs, availability, offers, or attempts to establish contact with individuals interested in obtaining or consuming such substances.

My concern goes beyond users simply disclosing personal drug consumption or expressing individual preferences. The issue is the potential use of coded language and symbolic communication to attract, identify, recruit, or encourage other users to participate in drug-related activities, including possible solicitation, distribution, and commercial transactions.

I understand that individual emojis, abbreviations, or expressions may have different meanings depending on their context and do not necessarily indicate illegal activity. However, their repeated use in combination with suspicious profile descriptions and communications warrants closer examination.

Such conduct may violate Grindr’s Community Guidelines and policies concerning illegal activities, drug promotion, solicitation, and the distribution or sale of prohibited substances.

In light of these concerns, I respectfully request that Grindr:

1. Review the profiles and content potentially associated with drug-related activities.
2. Examine the contextual use of the emojis, coded expressions, abbreviations, and terminology listed above.
3. Assess whether these profiles are being used to solicit, recruit, encourage, or facilitate access to illegal substances.
4. Investigate potential attempts to establish drug transactions or recruit new consumers through the platform.
5. Take appropriate moderation or enforcement measures if violations are confirmed.
6. Preserve relevant records, where legally and operationally appropriate, for potential cooperation with competent law enforcement authorities.

I emphasize that this report is submitted in good faith, with the intention of promoting user safety, preventing the potential normalization and recruitment of individuals into illicit drug-related activities, and protecting the integrity of the Grindr community.

I also request that this report be handled confidentially and that the identity of the reporting user not be disclosed to the profiles or individuals being reported.

Thank you for your attention and for your commitment to maintaining a safer environment for all users.

Sincerely,

A concerned member of the Grindr community.