Shimon Hayut Will Launch Safe Love Dating App
The convicted fraudster plans to debut a new dating platform despite industry pushback regarding his professional history.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Romance
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Shimon Hayut, 36, is preparing to launch a new dating app called Safe Love, which requires users to verify their identity via government ID and a selfie. Industry groups are already seeking to block the platform from mobile app stores due to Hayut's criminal background.
Why it matters
Hayut intends to leverage his personal experience as a convicted fraudster to implement security features he claims will prevent similar crimes. This attempt to rebrand himself as an industry security advocate has triggered immediate resistance from established dating associations.
The platform requires users to submit government identification and a matching selfie for verification. It also features an integrated SOS button that records audio and video while simultaneously sharing the user's location with law enforcement.
The players
Shimon Hayut
He is a 36-year-old convicted of fraud, theft, and forgery in Israel and Finland.
The Online Dating and Discovery Association
This trade group represents major platforms and has formally requested that Apple and Google ban the upcoming app.
The details
The app is currently in the final stages of regulation before its expected release within the coming weeks. Hayut previously served time for fraud in Finland and Israel following multiple convictions for theft and forgery.
Timeline
Hayut was arrested in Israel in 2011.
He served prison time in Finland from September 2015 to March 2017.
He was jailed in Israel from June 2019 to May 2020.
This report was published on October 3, 2026.
Culture Shift
This launch mirrors the broader trend of individuals attempting to pivot from high-profile legal controversies into the burgeoning niche of app-based digital security. It highlights the friction between the startup culture of second chances and the established trust protocols maintained by major mobile marketplaces.
Users considering this platform should be aware of the security features, such as mandatory ID verification and SOS integration, which differ from standard dating app protocols. The potential for the app to be barred from major app stores could impact its accessibility and long-term viability for consumers.
The takeaway
Consumers should carefully evaluate the data privacy implications of any new dating platform that requires government-issued identification. Always verify the legitimacy and background of app developers before uploading sensitive personal documents to third-party services.
Further reading
For more information on the current landscape of dating technology, visit Romance.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fox News.
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