The Inner Circle Safety Settings & Secure Dating Tips

The Inner Circle is a dating app for professionals that emphasises exclusivity and lifestyle alignment. It promotes curated matches and real-world events, attracting users who value a more tailored dating experience. However, its aspirational branding does not eliminate the risks that come with online dating—such as scams, privacy breaches, underage access, and offline safety concerns.

This updated 2025 guide explains all relevant safety features, age assurance compliance, user protections, and best practices for staying secure on the platform.

 

 

Age Rating & Child Safety Warning

Age Rating: 18+

Why It’s Not Suitable for Children: The Inner Circle is intended for adult users only. It promotes content and in-person events that may involve alcohol, adult conversations, and sexual themes. There are no parental controls or protections for underage users.

Age Assurance Status: As of July 2025, The Inner Circle does not implement biometric or document-based age verification. Users only self-declare their age. This means it currently does not meet age assurance requirements in Ireland, the UK, or the EU under the Online Safety Act and the Digital Services Act.

 

 

Help Links for Reporting Concerns

• Ireland: Online Safety Commissioner
• UK: Ofcom Online Safety Act
• USA: FTC Report Fraud

 

 

Restrictions Available

• Age Gate Declaration (Not Verified) – Users confirm they are 18+ upon sign-up, but no ID or facial recognition is required.
• Manual Profile Approval – Each user undergoes profile screening by moderators to ensure alignment with the platform’s “elite” positioning. While helpful, this does not verify user identity or prevent deception.
• Report & Block Tools – Users can report and block anyone from within the chat, match feed, or profile view. This limits further interaction.
• Content & Photo Moderation – Uploaded images and bios must meet guidelines and are subject to review.
• One Profile per User Rule – Users are limited to one account, helping reduce spam and impersonation.

 

 

Safety Settings and Why They Matter

1. Profile Privacy & Match Filters

Why it matters: Controls who sees your profile and improves safety by limiting exposure.

Setup Instructions:

1. Go to Settings > Preferences
2. Adjust match filters like age range, location, profession, and education
3. Modify profile visibility to limit who can view your details

 

2. Report & Block Features

Why it matters: Allows fast action to stop harassment, scams, or inappropriate behaviour.

How to use:

1. Tap the three-dot icon on any profile or chat
2. Select Block or Report
3. Submit additional information or screenshots if needed

Tip: Block immediately if someone pressures you to move the conversation off-app.

 

3. Offline Event Safety

Why it matters: The app promotes in-person events which carry additional risks.

Safety tips:

• Attend with friends or inform someone of your plans
• Avoid overconsumption of alcohol
• Use rideshare apps or public transport to leave safely

 

4. Safe Photo Uploads

Why it matters: Prevents revealing private information unintentionally

How to upload safely:

1. Use solo, recent photos
2. Blur or crop out identifiable locations
3. Avoid uniforms, name tags, or background screens

 

How to Use the Platform Safely

• Avoid listing your job title, daily routine, or address in your bio
• Don’t send financial information, photos, or identification documents
• Use the in-app messaging system until you trust the match
• Confirm identities through video calls or social presence before agreeing to meet
• Attend dates in public places; notify a trusted contact

 

Essential Safety Advice for 2025

• Romance scammers often appear professional and may use flattery or shared interests to build trust fast
• Never send money, gift cards, or share bank details
• Run reverse image searches on profile pictures using Google Lens or TinEye
• Be alert at events, avoid private invitations or being separated from crowds
• Take regular breaks from dating apps to maintain your emotional well-being
• Remember dating apps can be harmful

 

 

Concerns for Users as Highlighted in 2025

• No age assurance compliance despite legal changes
• Elite branding creates false safety perceptions
• In-person events increase offline risks, including substance misuse or physical assault
• No in-app video chat, reducing the ability to verify someone’s identity safely

 

 

Why These Tools and Habits Matter

The Inner Circle provides some safety filters, but real security comes from how you use them. Taking control of your visibility, preferences, and communications reduces risk and helps you stay in control of your dating experience.

These actions:

• Protect your identity
• Build trust responsibly
• Prevent fraud and exploitation
• Create safer environments for everyone

 

 

Legal Compliance & Platform Support

As of July 2025:

• Ireland: The platform does not currently meet age assurance compliance under the Online Safety Commissioner
• UK: Fails to meet standards under the Online Safety Act 2025
• USA: Subject to FTC regulation on consumer protection and dating fraud
• EU: Non-compliant with Digital Services Act and GDPR

Users concerned about platform safety can file complaints with these bodies.

 

 

Further Reading

The Inner Circle – Safety & Membership Policies
https://www.theinnercircle.co/safety

FTC – Romance Scams & Online Dating Fraud
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-you-need-know-about-romance-scams

Online Safety Act – UK Regulation Overview (2025)
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/online-safety-act-2025

Online Safety Commissioner – Ireland Compliance Portal
https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation/online-safety-commissioner/

Digital Services Act – EU Transparency and Platform Duties
https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/digital-services-act-package

 

 

About Children of the Digital Age

Children of the Digital Age empowers users of all ages to navigate digital platforms safely, whether it’s dating apps, gaming, or social media. We help families and individuals protect their privacy, wellbeing, and digital footprint.

Please share this guide, follow our updates, and explore our full resource library to stay safe in today’s online world.

 

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© 2025 Children of the Digital Age. All rights reserved. | Last Updated: August 2025