Simon Leviev Announced New Dating App Safe Love
The Online Dating and Discovery Association has urged Apple and Google to block the platform from their stores.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Romance
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Simon Leviev, the man known as the subject of the Netflix documentary The Tinder Swindler, has announced plans to launch a dating app called Safe Love. Industry groups are already calling for the application to be banned from major mobile app stores.
Why it matters
The Online Dating and Discovery Association argues that permitting a convicted fraudster to operate a dating platform undermines the security and trust essential to online dating safety. Leviev claims the technology aims to identify and prevent romance scams by leveraging his personal experiences with manipulation.
Leviev, whose legal name is Shimon Hayut, was convicted of theft, fraud, and forgery in Israel in 2019. He served five months of a 15-month prison sentence.
The players
Simon Leviev
He is the subject of a Netflix documentary and a convicted fraudster who claims he is now pivoting to app development.
The Online Dating and Discovery Association
This is an industry advocacy group that works to maintain safety and integrity standards within the online dating sector.
Cecilie Fjellhøy
She is a prominent advocate who works to raise public awareness regarding the dangers and mechanics of romance fraud.
Pernilla Sjöholm
She is an individual who works within the technology sector specifically focusing on the development of identity-verification tools.
The details
Leviev stated that the proposed Safe Love app intends to protect women from romance scams by using his background to identify fraudulent activity. The Online Dating and Discovery Association has issued a formal request to Apple and Google to deny the platform entry into their respective marketplaces.
Timeline
Leviev was convicted of theft, fraud, and forgery in Israel in 2019.
Netflix released The Tinder Swindler documentary in 2022.
Leviev announced the plans for Safe Love in September 2026.
Culture Shift
This development follows the public narrative established by the 2022 Netflix documentary The Tinder Swindler, which brought Leviev's past actions to global attention. It highlights the growing tension between personal branding and the rigorous vetting standards required by modern app platforms.
Users currently looking for dating platforms should remain cautious of apps linked to controversial figures that lack verified security credentials. The potential blocking of this app by major stores may limit its availability to a narrow or non-existent market segment.
The takeaway
The opposition from industry associations underscores the heightened scrutiny surrounding safety on digital connection platforms. Consumers should prioritize verified applications with established reputations to avoid falling victim to potential online financial schemes.
Further reading
For more information on the complexities of modern dating, visit our Romance section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by International Business Times UK.
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