Recon (app)
 | |
| Developer(s) | T101 |
|---|---|
| Initial release | 1999 |
| Operating system | iOS, Android, Web |
| Type | Dating app |
| Website | www |
Recon is a location-based online dating application and service specifically for gay men interested in fetish and kink.[1] It launched as a website in 1999,[2][3] and as an iOS app in 2010.[4] It has 189,000 active users as of 2018.[3]
Like many other gay dating apps, such as Grindr and Scruff, Recon allows users to create a profile, communicate with other members through private messages, and filters members by location and interests.[5] Unlike those apps, Recon started as a website, with some features, such as the ability to view a user's public x-rated photos, solely available on the website due to Apple's policy on adult content.[6]
One notable feature is the ability to filter members by their declared fetishes and kinks.[5] The broad categories include bondage,[7] fisting,[8] leather,[9] rubber, bears,[8] bikers, chastity, suits,[10] feet, gunge,[8] watersports,[8] and sports gear.
Recon is owned and operated by T101, the company who also produce Fetish Week London.[11][12]
Events and publications[edit]
Recon produces a number of fetish events for members and non-members, in cities including London[13] and Paris.
Recon has produced two issues of a magazine, with high-quality photography and articles from the fetish community, which is distributed for free at gay venues.[14][15]
Controversies[edit]
Removal from YouTube[edit]
In 2016, Recon's YouTube channel was removed due to allegedly breaching adult content policies. A day after BuzzFeed News approached YouTube with questions about the removal, the channel was reinstated.[16]
Effect on leather bars, sex clubs and saunas[edit]
Some have claimed that gay dating apps have a negative impact on local businesses such as gay bars, and that Recon's widespread usage[17][18] by fetishmen has reduced business in leather bars, sex clubs and saunas.[19][20] However, many businesses actively promote their businesses on Recon to appeal to local customers.
Location data leaks[edit]
In 2019, researchers at Pen Test Partners demonstrated to BBC News how it was possible to locate the exact location of a Recon user without their consent, along with users of other apps, through a process of trilateration. However Recon was praised for taking immediate steps to rectify the fault much faster than some other apps.[21][22]
References[edit]
- ^ Martel, Frédéric. "Grindr, blackmail and confession: The life of a gay seminarian". The Irish Times. Retrieved 2020-08-03.
- ^ Hudson, David (2016-01-12). "Recon Gay Dating App launch ad campaign on phoneboxes". Gay Star News. Archived from the original on 2019-07-30. Retrieved 2020-08-03.
- ^ a b "Recon Advertising Guide" (PDF). T101. 2018.
- ^ "Gay Fetish Site Recon.com launches iPhone app". TechCrunch. Retrieved 2020-08-03.
- ^ a b "There's a gay fetish app that holds events all around the world". PinkNews. 2018-12-07. Retrieved 2020-08-03.
- ^ Fox, Chris (2019-01-30). "Gay dating app Scruff bans underwear pics". BBC News. Retrieved 2020-08-03.
- ^ Savage, Dan (5 September 2018). "'Help, my Recon hookup said no thanks after I'd blown $40 on rope and duct tape!'". Chicago Reader. Retrieved 2020-08-03.
- ^ a b c d "Kinky Dating App | Recon Review". Fetish.com. 2023-06-26. Retrieved 2024-01-23.
- ^ AnotherMan (13 February 2019). "The Sexy, Secret History of Leather Fetish Fashion". AnotherMan. Retrieved 2020-08-03.
- ^ "There's a growing community who are thirsty for Dominic Raab and he doesn't deserve a jot of it". British GQ. June 2019. Retrieved 2020-08-03.
- ^ "T101 - Creating Deeper Connections". t101.com. Retrieved 2020-08-03.
- ^ Team, Q. X. (2019-06-26). "QX GUIDE: Fetish Week London". QX Magazine. Retrieved 2020-08-03.
- ^ "Recon London – Boyz". Retrieved 2020-08-03.
- ^ ras (2 March 2020). "Fetish Focus: Confidence in Gear - Recon team member: OhBilly". QXMen.com. Retrieved 2020-08-03.
- ^ "RECON, Issue_02". www.regulation.co.uk. Archived from the original on 2020-09-22. Retrieved 2020-08-03.
- ^ White, Alan (26 May 2016). "YouTube Reinstates Gay Fetish Website's Videos After Claims Of Anti-Gay Bias". BuzzFeed. Retrieved 2020-08-03.
- ^ Savage, Dan (7 February 2018). "How does one get into the gay BDSM bottoming scene?". Chicago Reader. Retrieved 2020-08-03.
- ^ "Savage Love: Bondage is the great gay-tribe unifier". The Georgia Straight. 2019-06-26. Retrieved 2020-08-03.
- ^ Siddons, Edward (2018-10-04). "Why is the gay leather scene dying?". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2020-08-03.
- ^ "This Crew Is Keeping London's Gay Fetish Scene Alive". www.vice.com. 23 November 2016. Retrieved 2020-08-03.
- ^ Fox, Chris (2019-08-08). "Gay dating apps still leaking location data". BBC News. Retrieved 2020-08-03.
- ^ "Grindr and Romeo among gay dating apps leaking location data". PinkNews. 2019-08-09. Retrieved 2020-08-03.