After the Los Angeles based AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) launched an advertising campaign last fall which linked the mobile dating app Tinder to the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), Tinder reportedly issued the advocacy group a cease-and-desist letter.
The AHF referred to their ad campaign as “an advocacy and awareness campaign focused on sexual health and safety on dating sites” in a recently issued press release.
In order to resolve their ongoing dispute, Tinder has agreed to provide users of their app with information on the locations of STD testing facilities.
Having agreed to include the STD testing locator in their app–an agreement reached on Thursday–the company has effectively brought an end to their feud with the AIDS Health Foundation, TIME reports.
Tinder’s website now includes a link to Healthvana’s free HIV and STD testing site locator, which falls in line with the AHF’s recommendations.
Dr. Jessica Carbino, Tinder’s lead sociologist, indicated in a statement that the company would be “delighted to see other major social networks follow” in their footsteps.
An important aspect of any healthy relationship – whether formed on Tinder or otherwise – is ensuring sexual health and safety. We’d be delighted to see other major social networks follow in our footsteps in educating the public.
The AIDS Healthcare Foundation is the largest global AIDS organization. The advocacy group provides medical care and/or services to more than half a million individuals across 35 countries.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported an “alarming” rise in STDs. The report, which was released late last year, shows a rise in reported infection rates in the U.S. for syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia.
In February of last year, Columbia University researchers unveiled a new smartphone device capable of accurately detecting STDs in just 15 minutes.
