Hily, a dating app with 39 million worldwide users, just launched a feature to stop unwanted explicit messages and cyberflashing, or sending non-consensual nude images.
“Consent Guard” uses machine-learning models and custom algorithms to scan for specific words in messages and elements of photos. If something X-rated is detected, Hily will alert a user that their match wants to send explicit messages, and that they’ll only see them if they consent. The user can then consent or decline.
The sender, meanwhile, receives a prompt to request one-click consent. If they say no, the explicit content won’t be sent. And if the prompt goes unanswered, the conversation will continue as if nothing explicit was attempted.
Credit: Hily
Each user can send up to three consent requests per chat, according to Hily’s press release. Users can also adjust their consent settings at any point — from hot to chill to “not tonight, please.”
Hily developed Consent Guard with its sexologist and sex educator, Dr. Mindy DeSeta. DeSeta provided insights on the culture around sexual consent and harassment.
As of 2024, over a third of women under 40 have received unsolicited sexual photos from someone who was not a dating, romantic, or sexual partner, YouGov reported. This is an issue that other dating apps have also addressed, such as Bumble’s Private Detector, an AI tool designed to detect nude images.
Hily has also previously addressed this. Consent Guard will replace the app’s Explicit Filter feature, which blurred photos for review.
“Unsolicited pics have never really worked: they’re mostly just a turn-off,” DeSeta said in the press release. “Hily’s new Consent Guard feature actually empowers your sexuality by putting you in charge of how you date, what you share, and how sexy you want to get. Instead of having an explicit photo pop up at the worst possible moment, imagine getting a notification that someone wants to get a little hot and heavy. That’s mental foreplay!”