A new website, Stud or Dud, is launching to help singles vet their potential dates through a detailed background check. Using public records and social media, it creates profiles that reveal financial, employment and criminal history.

The platform, launched in the US by PeopleFinders.com, aims to provide transparency but raises questions about privacy and the reliability of its information. While it may offer peace of mind, some experts warn against potential misuse or over-reliance on such tools.

CEO Amber Higgins suggests these reports can help users identify red flags, such as criminal records or financial issues, but cautions against making snap judgments based solely on these findings. However, the lack of comprehensive digital privacy laws in the US means that these searches could inadvertently harm individuals with inaccurate information.

The tool also includes an AI assistant for dating advice, adding a layer of what Higgins calls 'prescriptive' guidance to help daters navigate their matches more cautiously. But as Eva Galperin from the Electronic Frontier Foundation points out, such platforms can be misused by stalkers and may not always accurately flag dangerous individuals.

With nearly half of US adults now doubting online dating’s safety, tools like Stud or Dud could become standard, but their reliability remains questionable. As we increasingly rely on technology for personal decisions, the line between help and harm continues to blur.