Tinder tests new feature for women in India Published duration 25 September 2018

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Tinder is testing a new feature in India that puts women in control of sending the first message to a match.

The dating platform currently works by letting either party send a message once two people have "liked" each other by swiping right on their profile.

Rival app Bumble, founded by Whitney Wolfe, who also co-founded Tinder, already has this new feature by default.

The two companies are currently suing each other in separates disputes.

Tinder's parent company, Match Group, has accused Bumble of copying its swipe-based model, while Bumble's countersuit claims Match fraudulently obtained trade secrets during failed acquisition talks.

Tinder's new control feature, My Move, had been tested in India for several months and may roll out worldwide, reported Reuters.

The company said it wanted women to feel safe and comfortable.

With high-profile cases of sexual violence against women in certain parts of India making headlines around the world, concerns about safety are growing.