Data privacy experts warn that the rise of “catch a cheater” apps exploits our worst human tendencies, turning trust issues into a business model.

When people join dating apps like Tinder, they expect privacy — not to be hunted down by suspicious partners or strangers. Yet, popular “cheater-finding” apps like Cheaterbuster and CheatEye do exactly that, using facial recognition to locate dating profiles based on photos or names.

How These Apps Work — and Why They’re So Dangerous

A recent investigation by 404 Media revealed that these apps can find Tinder profiles in minutes, often for a one-time fee as low as $18. The outlets’ team ran controlled tests with volunteers — and the results were disturbingly accurate.

While the idea of “catching a cheater” may sound empowering, privacy experts say it’s anything but. These tools normalize surveillance, ignore consent, and exploit emotional vulnerability for profit.

“The most insidious aspect is how these tools make peer-to-peer surveillance seem normal and acceptable,” says Heather Kuhn, a cyber and privacy expert at Georgia State University.

She warns that viral TikTok marketing for these apps makes biometric surveillance seem casual — even entertaining — when in reality, it’s invasive and unethical.

Biometric Data Without Consent

When Tinder users upload photos or personal information, they consent only to the platform’s use of that data — not third-party tracking. Apps that scrape this data or use facial recognition violate that trust.

“They are agreeing to Tinder’s terms, not consenting to have their data scraped, indexed, and made searchable via biometric data,” Kuhn explains.

This misuse of personal data blurs the line between security and stalking. It also opens doors for harassment, misinformation, and revenge-driven searches — especially since there’s no verification of intent or accuracy.

Turning Insecurity Into a Business

The rise of “catch a cheater” apps exploits our worst human tendencies — jealousy, fear, and control. Instead of addressing relationship issues through communication, users are encouraged to spy, snoop, and surveil.

Tech advisor Mark Weinstein, who advocates for safer online practices, calls these apps “frankly chilling.” He warns that their growing popularity is part of a wider normalization of surveillance culture, where privacy is sacrificed for emotional reassurance.

Why Experts Want Them Banned

Data privacy scholars argue that these apps should face stricter regulation or outright bans. Beyond ethical concerns, they pose real legal risks — including unauthorized data collection, GDPR violations, and potential misuse by abusers or stalkers.

As Kuhn notes, “Normalizing surveillance erodes trust in relationships and society. Once you accept tracking someone as a solution, it’s hard to draw the line again.”

The popularity of these apps reflects a troubling social shift — one where technology amplifies our worst instincts instead of helping us build trust.

As the rise of “catch a cheater” apps exploits our worst human tendencies, it’s clear that the need for stronger privacy laws and digital literacy has never been more urgent.

Because when apps profit from suspicion, everyone’s privacy is at risk.