MeetMe - App Safety Warning | SafeScreens

Why MeetMe Is a Concern

MeetMe is an adult app for meeting new people nearby, live streaming and dating. Its terms (updated August 2026) say you must be at least 18 to register, and the US App Store rates it 18+. There is no safe way for a child to use an app built to introduce strangers who live near each other.

The Track Record

In 2014, San Francisco's City Attorney sued MeetMe, alleging that the way it published profiles, photos and real-time locations let predators target children as young as 13, and that dozens of minors around the country had been victims of sex crimes by people who found them through the site.

Why Children End Up on MeetMe

Despite the 18+ rule, children use MeetMe because:

Age is self-reported
It presents itself as a way to make new friends
Friends may already be on it
Curiosity about meeting new people

Location-Based Danger

MeetMe shows users who are nearby. For someone looking for kids, this means:

Finding children in their area
Moving quickly to an in-person meeting

What To Do If Found

Remove the app - MeetMe is for adults only
Ask directly - Has your child met anyone from this app in person?
If they met someone - Contact local police
Review all contacts - Look for adults who have been communicating with your child
Watch for similar apps - Other "meet people nearby" and live-streaming apps

Documented Incidents

Predator ActivityFeb 2014

San Francisco Sues MeetMe Over Risks to Minors

San Francisco's City Attorney sued MeetMe, alleging it unlawfully published users' profiles, photos and real-time locations in a way that let sexual predators target minors as young as 13, and that dozens of minors nationwide had been victims of sex crimes by people who used the site.

Source: CBS News