Dating sites
Many people hoping to meet someone worry about paying for a subscription that never delivers, or about whether their personal details will be looked after.
Dating sites companies
22 companies
About Dating sites
Dating sites are online services that match people looking for romantic or social connections, and they operate across the United Kingdom through web browsers and smartphone apps. The category covers general dating platforms, sites aimed at specific age groups, faith communities, interests and sexual orientations, as well as niche services for people seeking long-term partners. Most businesses in this space charge a monthly or annual subscription, with some offering free basic access alongside paid premium features such as enhanced visibility or messaging.
The market is shaped by the Data Protection Act 2018 and the UK GDPR, which govern how providers collect, store and process the sensitive personal information that members share. The Information Commissioner's Office acts as the regulator for data handling in this sector. Consumer protection rules under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 also apply to subscription terms, pricing and cancellation, and the Competition and Markets Authority enforces them.
Advertising standards are overseen by the Advertising Standards Authority, which applies the CAP Code to claims made by dating businesses in their marketing. The Online Dating Association was established as a trade body to promote good practice among member providers, though membership is voluntary. Operators are also expected to meet the requirements of the Online Safety Act 2023, which places duties on platforms to protect users from harmful content and to help keep them safe from fraud and abuse.
Questions about Dating sites
How do I choose a dating site in the UK?
Start by deciding what you want from the site, such as a long-term relationship, casual dating or friendship, because the audience and features differ between services. Check whether the service is run by a business with a registered address in the UK and clear terms and conditions that you can read before paying anything. Look at how the site verifies profiles and handles reports of fake accounts, since this affects how safe and useful it is.
What should I compare between dating sites?
Compare the total cost of membership over a set period, including any renewal terms, and whether premium features are needed to do what you want. Check how the site handles your personal data, what privacy settings you can control and whether you can delete your profile and data completely. Look at the size and location of the user base in your area and the tools available for reporting, blocking and moderating other members.
Do I have a cooling-off period when I sign up to a dating site?
If you sign up online or by phone, you have a right to cancel under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, which allows 14 days from the day the contract starts. The cancellation right can be lost if you ask the service to start providing it straight away and you agree to lose that right, so read the sign-up screens carefully before ticking any box.
How do I cancel my dating site subscription?
Use the cancellation route set out in the terms and conditions, and if the service offers an online cancellation button in the account settings, use that so you have a record of the request. Keep a copy of the cancellation confirmation and note the date you made the request, because this is your evidence if the company continues to take payments afterwards. Check whether the subscription renews automatically and whether the service must send you a reminder before the renewal date under the rules that apply to subscription contracts.
Can I get a refund from a dating site?
If you cancel within the 14-day cooling-off period for an online contract, you are entitled to a refund for the unused part of the service, and the company must refund you within 14 days of receiving your cancellation notice. Outside the cooling-off period, refunds depend on the terms and conditions, but the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 still require those terms to be fair and clearly stated.
Is my personal data safe on a dating site?
Dating services that process UK users' data must comply with the UK General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018, which require a lawful basis for processing and proper security. You can ask the service what personal data it holds about you by making a subject access request, and the company must respond within one month where the request is valid.
What should I do if a dating site has treated me unfairly?
Raise the complaint with the company in writing first, setting out what happened, what you want as a remedy and a reasonable deadline for a response. If the company does not resolve the matter, check whether it belongs to an approved alternative dispute resolution scheme, and if not, you can use the small claims track of the County Court for amounts up to the relevant limit.
Which regulator deals with dating sites in the UK?
The Competition and Markets Authority enforces consumer protection law against online services, including misleading practices and unfair contract terms, and can take action against businesses that break these rules. The Information Commissioner's Office regulates how personal data is handled, and the Advertising Standards Authority covers advertising claims made by dating services in the UK.
Are dating sites covered by the Online Safety Act?
The Online Safety Act 2023 places duties on user-to-user services and is enforced by Ofcom, which can require services to assess and reduce risks of harm to users. Dating services that allow users to contact each other are within the scope of these duties, so Ofcom is the regulator to contact about safety concerns on platforms of that kind.
How can I tell if a dating site is a scam?
Be wary of profiles that ask you to move to another messaging app quickly, request money or gifts, or ask for payment outside the site, because these are common features of romance fraud. Report suspicious accounts to the site and to Action Fraud, the UK's national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime, and if you have sent money, contact your bank immediately.
What should I look for when reading reviews of dating sites?
Read reviews that describe specific experiences, such as how cancellation was handled, how long refunds took or how reports of abusive users were dealt with, rather than general opinions about the app. Check the dates of the reviews and whether they mention changes to pricing or features, since a dating service can alter its terms and older reviews may no longer reflect the current service.
Can I use a dating site if I am under 18?
Dating services must not allow under-18s to sign up, and the terms and conditions state the minimum age, which is 18 for the majority of services operating in the UK. Services are expected to take reasonable steps to check age and to remove accounts where they learn a user is underage, and the Online Safety Act requires age assurance for certain services that host pornographic or harmful content.