Safety Information

Meeting new people is exciting, but you should always be cautious when interacting with someone you don’t know. Use your best judgment and put your safety first, whether you are exchanging initial messages or meeting in person. While you can’t control the actions of others, there are things you can do to help you stay safe during your Archer experience.

Online Safety

Never Send Money or Share Financial Information

Never send money, especially over wire transfer, even if the person claims to be in an emergency. Wiring money is like sending cash — it’s nearly impossible to reverse the transaction or trace where the money went. Never share information that could be used to access your financial accounts. If another user asks you for money, report it to us immediately.

For tips on avoiding romance scams, check out some advice from the U.S Federal Trade Commission on the FTC website or in the video below.

Protect Your Personal Information

Never share personal information, such as your social security number, home or work address, or details about your daily routine (e.g., that you go to a certain gym every Monday) with people you don’t know. If you are a parent, limit the information that you share about your children on your profile and in early communications. Avoid sharing details such as your children’s names, where they go to school, or their ages or genders.

Stay on the Platform 

Keep your conversations on the Archer platform while you get to know other users. Because exchanges on Archer are subject to our Safe Message Filters (learn more here), users with bad intentions often try to move the conversation to text, messaging apps, email, or phone right away.

Be Wary of Long Distance and Overseas Relationships

Watch out for scammers who claim to be from your country but stuck somewhere else, especially if they ask for financial help to return home. Be wary of anyone who will not meet in person or talk on a phone/video call—they may not be who they say they are. If someone is avoiding your questions or pushing for a serious relationship without meeting or getting to know you first — that’s a red flag.

Report All Suspicious and Offensive Behavior 

You know when someone’s crossed the line and when they do, we want to know about it. Block and report anyone that violates our terms. Here are some examples of violations:

• Requests for money or donations
• Underage users
• Harassment, threats, and offensive messages
• Inappropriate or harmful behavior during or after meeting in person
• Fraudulent profiles
• Spam or solicitation including links to commercial websites or attempts to sell products or services

You can report any concerns about suspicious behavior from any profile page or messaging window or you can fill out the Customer Support Form. For more information, check out our Community Guidelines.

Meeting in Person 

Don't Be In A Rush 

Take your time and get to know the other person before agreeing to meet or chat off Archer. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to screen for any red flags or personal dealbreakers. A phone or video call can be a useful screening tool before meeting.

Meet in Public and Stay in Public

Meet for the first few times in a populated, public place — never at your home, your date’s home, or any other private location. If your date pressures you to go to a private location, end the date.

Tell Friends and Family About Your Plans

Tell a friend or family member of your plans, including when and where you’re going. Have your cell phone charged and with you at all times.

Be in Control of Your Transportation

We want you to be in control of how you get to and from your date so that you can leave whenever you want. If you’re driving yourself, it’s a good idea to have a backup plan such as a ride-share app or a friend to pick you up.

Know Your Limits

Be aware of the effects of drugs or alcohol on you specifically — they can impair your judgment and your alertness. If your date tries to pressure you to use drugs or drink more than you’re comfortable with, hold your ground and end the date.

Don’t Leave Drinks or Personal Items Unattended

Know where your drink comes from and know where it is at all times — only accept drinks poured or served directly from the bartender or server. Many substances that are slipped into drinks to facilitate sexual assault are odorless, colorless, and tasteless. Also, keep your phone, purse, wallet, and anything containing personal information on you at all times.

If You Feel Uncomfortable, Leave

It’s okay to end the date early if you’re feeling uncomfortable. In fact, it’s encouraged. And if your instincts are telling you something is off or you feel unsafe, ask the bartender or server for help.

LGBTQ+ Travel

Be careful while traveling. We recognize and believe in the importance of being inclusive of all gender identities and sexual orientations, but the reality is this: nowhere in the world is without potential risk, and some countries have specific laws that target LGBTQ+ people. Check out the laws around you when you travel to a new place and research what types of legal protection, if any, are available to you based on sexual orientation. In the event that you’re in unsafe territory, we suggest disabling your Archer account or going Incognito. It’s important to exercise extra caution if you choose to connect with new people in these countries - as some law enforcement have been known to use dating apps as tools for potential entrapment. Some countries have also recently introduced laws that criminalize communications between individuals on same-sex dating applications or websites and even aggravate penalties if that communication leads to sexual encounters.

Visit ILGA World to see the latest sexual orientation laws by country, and consider donating to support their research. Source: ILGA World, Updated December 2020

Sexual Health & Consent 

Protect Yourself

When used correctly and consistently, condoms can significantly reduce the risk of contracting and passing on STI’s like HIV. But, be aware of STIs like herpes or HPV that can be passed on through skin-to-skin contact. The risk of contracting some STIs can be reduced through vaccination.

Know Your Status 

Not all STIs show symptoms, and you don’t want to be in the dark about your status. Stay on top of your health and prevent the spread of STIs by getting tested regularly. Here’s where you can find a clinic near you (US only).

Talk About It

Communication is everything: Before you get physically intimate with a partner, talk about sexual health and STI testing. And be aware — in some places, it’s actually a crime to knowingly pass on an STI. Need help starting the conversation? Here are some tips.

Consent

All sexual activity must start with consent and should include ongoing check-ins with your partner. Verbal communication can help you and your partner ensure that you respect each other’s boundaries. Consent can be withdrawn at any time, and sex is never owed to anyone. Do not proceed if your partner seems uncomfortable or unsure, or if your partner is unable to consent due to the effects of drugs or alcohol. Read more about it here.

Resources for Help, Support, or Advice

Remember — even if you follow these tips, no method of risk reduction is perfect. If you have a negative experience, please know that it is not your fault and help is available. Report any incidents here and consider reaching out to one of the resources list on our Resources Page. If you feel you are in immediate danger or need emergency assistance, call 911 (U.S. or Canada) or your local law enforcement agency.

Please remember that even if you follow all safety tips and guidelines, no method of risk reduction is perfect. If you have a negative experience, know that it is not your fault and help is available. You can report any incidents to us. Information on our reporting feature can be found here. 

The resources below are available for further support. If you feel you are in immediate danger or need emergency assistance, call 911 (U.S. or Canada) or your local law enforcement agency.

 

LGBT National Help Center

1-888-843-4564 | https://www.lgbthotline.org/ | “Provides vital peer-support, community connections and resource information to people with questions regarding sexual orientation and/or gender identity.”

 

1n6 Male Survivor Support

1-800-656-4673 | https://1in6.org/ | “The mission of 1in6 is to help men who have had unwanted or abusive sexual experiences live healthier, happier lives.”

 

The Trevor Project 

1-866-488-7386 | https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ | “Crisis counselors are trained to answer calls, chats, or texts from LGBTQ young people who reach out on our free, confidential and secure 24/7 service when they are struggling with issues such as coming out, LGBTQ identity, depression, and suicide.”

 

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

988 | https://988lifeline.org/ | “The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.”

 

RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline

1-800-656-HOPE (4673) | online.rainn.org | https://www.rainn.org/ | (RAINN also offers a referral service for local service providers and online chat; also available in Spanish: rainn.org/es)

 

VictimConnect - Crime Victim Resource Center

1-855-4VICTIM (855-484-2846) | https://victimconnect.org/ | Information and resources for victims of crime nationwide

 

Trans Lifeline

1-877-565-8860 (US) or 1-877-330-6366 (CA) | https://translifeline.org/ | “Trans Lifeline connects trans people to the community support and resources we need to survive and thrive.”

 

National Domestic Violence Hotline

1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3224 | https://www.thehotline.org/ | “24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides essential tools and support to help survivors of domestic violence”

 

National Sexual Violence Resource Center

1-877-739-3895 | https://www.nsvrc.org/ | “The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) is the leading nonprofit in providing information and tools to prevent and respond to sexual violence”

 

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children

1-800-THE-LOST (843-5678) | https://report.cybertip.org/ | “NCMEC’s CyberTipline is the nation’s centralized reporting system for the online exploitation of children.”

 

Cyber Civil Rights Initiative

1-844-878-2274 | https://cybercivilrights.org/ | “CCRI’s Mission is to combat online abuses that threaten civil rights and civil liberties.”

 

National Human Trafficking Hotline

1-888-373-7888 or text 233733 | https://humantraffickinghotline.org/en | “The National Human Trafficking Hotline connects victims and survivors of sex and labor trafficking with services and supports to get help and stay safe.” 

 

FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center

https://www.ic3.gov/ | Centralized location to file a complaint with the IC# if you believe you or someone you know has been the victim of an internet crime.

 

iLGA 

https://ilga.org/maps-sexual-orientation-laws | Provides information regarding international sexual orientation laws

 

Find a Helpline 

https://findahelpline.com/i/iasp | Vetted mental health helplines in over 140 countries. 

 

Match Group International Resources 

https://mtch.com/safety-details-international | Provides additional resources in many of the countries where we operate.

What is Consent? 

We've consulted with RAINN to work towards an Archer community that is built on consent. After all, consent is foundational to establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries and relationships. RAINN defines consent as "an ongoing process of discussing boundaries and what you’re comfortable with.” 

Consent is more than whether someone has said “yes” or “no” to engage in sexual activity or any other interaction. Consent is about respecting someone’s autonomy, or their right to make their own decisions. Specifically, consent is:

• Affirmative - communicated enthusiastically and unambiguously
• Voluntary - given freely, and not through pressure or force, or while incapacitated
• Ongoing – continuous throughout the course of the interaction
• Mutual – all individuals involved in the interaction/activity agree to participate
• Reversible – able to be withdrawn at any time and for any reason
• Informed – all involved individuals know what specific activities they are consenting to

When it comes to dating in person or connecting online, there are many opportunities to seek consent and respect the boundaries of others. These include the sharing of images on the app as well as via text, the discussion of fantasies, sexting interactions, and more.

Consent is often referred to in the context of intimacy, but it can also be applied to any interaction between people – including sexual, conversational, in writing or in person. The following is a non-exhaustive list of consent best practices. Above all, remember that:

• You can refuse or withdraw your consent at any time and for any reason. You do not need to give a reason and you do not have to explain yourself to the other person(s).
• If someone crosses your boundaries and/or causes you harm, it is NOT your fault, and support is available.

Tips for Communicating about Consent and Boundaries: 

• Assess your date's ability to consent. If your date is mentally or physically incapable of giving consent, then initiating any sexual contact with them is a violation of their boundaries. This is a crime in most legal systems as well as a violation of the Archer Terms of Service. Do not engage in sexual activity with someone who is intoxicated, passed out, otherwise incapable of saying "no," or seems unaware of what is happening around them. Remember that even if someone doesn’t outright say “no” while in these states, you do not have their consent.
• Ask permission before any physical contact. "No" should always be treated as "No."
• Remember that a "Yes" to kissing, for example, is not a "Yes" to anything more than that, and that the absence of a clear "No" doesn't mean a "Yes."
  • Don't assume that someone wants to have sex just because they drink heavily, dress provocatively, or agree to go to your place.
• Communicate clearly and check in regularly. Use words, actions, or other signals (verbal or nonverbal) to communicate your interest. For example, if your date asks if you want to be kissed, and you're not sure yet, say "No" or "Let's hold off on that." It can be helpful to pay attention to nonverbal communication, such as avoiding eye contact, silence, or lack of movement. However, it's best not to make assumptions about how your date is feeling. You should always check in with your date to ask how they’re feeling, especially when you are unsure about whether or not you have their consent.
• Handle rejection gracefully. The date is going well, but when you invite them back to your place, they say “no.” What do you do?
  
  • Hearing "No" can be hard, but saying "No" to someone who takes it poorly can be a frightening experience. You don't want to be the kind of person who makes someone afraid to refuse you because that can lead to intimidation and coercion. Take a moment to collect yourself before you respond, acknowledge and move on. "Okay, no problem!" You can even thank them for setting a clear boundary.
  • It's important that you do not attempt to change your date's mind, pressure or bargain with them, or make them feel guilty for "wasting your time." Treat your date the way you want to be treated.
• Know your rights. Remember: "You can withdraw your consent at any time, for any reason,” even if you consented to the same act/situation previously. You can slow things down or stop them entirely. Any unwanted touch is a violation of your boundaries.

Tips for when you're connecting on the app or via text: 

• Ground yourself. Be mentally prepared for rejection. Understand that rejection is part of the human experience, and being rejected doesn't mean there is something wrong with you or make you a bad person.
• Be mindful when discussing fantasies and/or sharing photos. It is important to communicate regularly with the person you’re connecting with, especially when sharing explicit sexual content in messages or photos, and keep in mind that everyone has the right to change their mind at any time, even if they were okay with receiving such messages or photos before.
• Know yourself: How comfortable are you with saying "No"? Does the thought of disappointing someone make you feel guilty or nervous?
  • If yes, take time to think about what your boundaries are and practice setting and communicating those boundaries with others. You can even ask a friend to help you practice.
• How good are you at respecting "No"? Does being turned down make you angry, and do you sometimes lash out in response?
  • If so, keep in mind that this can make the other person feel unsafe. Practice responding in a kind and easygoing way - instead of getting defensive, retaliating against the other person, or trying to change their mind, consider their perspective and what they might be thinking and feeling. If you’re trying to find ways to let them know you heard them and respect their choice, consider language like, “thanks for telling me” or “we don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do.”

Tips for when you're first meeting up:

• To start, remember that going on a date doesn't mean you–or your date—are agreeing to any physical or sexual intimacy.
• Set up a Safety Check-in: Make sure a friend knows where you're going and when, and set a time to call or text them by, to let them know if things are going well. In the event they don't hear from you, let them know what steps you would like them to take.
• Notice how well your date listens to you. If, for example, you turn down your date's offer for another round of drinks, and they try to change your mind, or they get upset in a way that makes you feel guilty, that can be a useful insight into your date's future behavior. Boundary violations can increase over time, so something like being pressured to drink more alcohol can lead to more frequent and severe boundary violations.
• Notice how your date makes you feel. Ask yourself whether you feel comfortable saying “no.” If you don't feel comfortable, make a note of that feeling.
• Maybe your date seems to be giving mixed signals that make you feel uncomfortable. This can be a sign that they're not yet comfortable with you either, and that they don't quite know what they want yet or they want something else entirely. The only way to know for sure is to:
• Ask for clarification. Sometimes you have to be a little vulnerable and ask your date what they mean, whether they're enjoying themselves, and other direct questions to gauge their interest.

Tips for assessing the meetup:

• Reflect on what went well, and what didn't, and evaluate how you feel. Did you leave the date feeling listened to and like your feelings were considered? Do you feel uncomfortable or for any reason, or do you feel like your boundaries were not respected?
• Report the profile if someone you meet has made you feel uncomfortable or unsafe. If your date violates your consent, including pressuring you into agreeing to something you didn't want, overriding your stated boundaries, or harming you physically in any way, let our team know.

Seek additional support. Please review our Resources page for organizations that provide services to people who have experienced sexual assault and coercion.