A popular smartphone dating app is being sued after it introduced a paid version of its app.
Michael Manapol filed a lawsuit in United States District Central District of California court on April 28 against Tinder Inc., claiming the company falsely advertised that the app's services would be free.
In March, Tinder announced the services Manpol had used before would no longer be available unless he purchased a subscription called Tinder Plus, which started around $2.99 per month.
Further, the app charges users older than 30 about $19 a month for the service, which the lawsuit claims is discrimination.
“Not only is the price discriminatory based on age, it also discriminates based on gender,” the lawsuit said. “Based on information and belief, Tinder provides swipes or uses with and without Tinder Plus at a more favorable rate to women based solely on their gender.”
Manapol is seeking class status for all Tinder users, and is also seeking more than $5 million in damages plus court costs.
He is represented by John P. Kristensen and David L. Weisberg of Kristensen Weisberg LLP in Los Angeles, Calif.
United States District Court Central District of California – Western Division case number 2:15-cv-03175.