We, the members of Not All Gays, have launched a campaign to address the lack of safeguarding measures on dating apps, which leaves lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) youth exposed to significant risks. Many LGB minors (under 18 years of age), feeling isolated or afraid to come out, turn to dating apps in search of relationships. However, these platforms—designed specifically for creating romantic and sexual connections—often lack robust age verification systems, exposing minors to predatory behavior and exploitation.

We believe that the absence of effective age verification on dating apps is in direct contravention of Article 6 and Article 23 of the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse, 2007. These articles outline the obligations of states to take measures to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse, including ensuring children are protected from exposure to environments that facilitate harm.

We have completed an in-depth study on the lack of safeguarding measures on dating apps, which leaves lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) youth exposed to significant risks. Our newly released report, based on survey responses from LGB individuals, highlights the concerning reality that many LGB minors (under 18) turn to dating apps due to isolation or fear of coming out. However, these platforms—designed for adult users—lack robust age verification, exposing minors to predatory behavior, grooming, and exploitation.

Our findings confirm that the absence of effective age verification is a direct violation the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (2007). These articles require states to take measures to prevent the sexual exploitation of children, including ensuring they are not exposed to harmful digital environments.

With the report now complete, we are using our research to:

• Advocate for mandatory, robust age verification on dating apps to prevent minors from accessing these platforms.

• Raise awareness of the risks LGB minors face in digital spaces.

• Push for stronger regulations to hold dating platforms accountable for youth protection.

While this campaign focuses on safeguarding LGB youth on dating apps, we are committed to ensuring that all youth, regardless of sexuality, are protected from accessing dating apps before they are of legal age. We recognize that the risks posed by underage access to these platforms affect all young people, and our advocacy efforts will work toward protecting all minors from the dangers of digital exploitation.

Our report will be submitted to EU and national governments, urging them to enforce stronger safeguarding measures on dating apps to prevent further exploitation of minors.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the survey—your voices have made this report possible. Now, we call on policymakers and platforms to act. Together, we can create a safer digital environment for all youth, regardless of sexuality.

Read our report below.