Tinder is introducing a stricter policy for users under the age of 18 years and the new update will start rolling out in the coming week.

The company released a statement saying that they will start banning accounts of users under the said demographic.

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"On a platform that has facilitated over 11 billion connections, we have the responsibility of constantly assessing our different user experiences," said Tinder vice-president of communications Rosette Pambakian.

"Consistent with this responsibility, we have decided to discontinue service for under 18 users. We believe this is the best policy moving forward. This change will take effect next week."

Since the app's launch in 2012, the dating app has allowed everyone over 13 years of age to use the app and find their match by swiping left or right. However, users in that age bracket were only allowed to match with others within the age group.

Tinder's latest announcement means that only users above 18 years will be allowed to sign up and use the app.

The new update comes in the wake of the company's recent announcement of a new transgender-friendly user experience, which is set to roll-out in the coming months, as previously reported.

"For a long time we haven't done enough to give them a good experience," said Tinder CEO Sean Rad in a statement.

"It's harder for them to get what they are looking for. We have to modify our experience to address that."

By banning users under 18, the company will be losing out three percent of its global users, but "it's the right thing to do," the company said.

Tinder's effort to make their service safer among users within the dating world can prompt lesser incidents involving incidents involving teenagers who are eager to meet new people. This move, if proven effective, should set a precedent for other dating apps like Hinge, OK Cupid, Plenty of Fish, Grindr and more.

TagsTinder, sean rad, dating app, Grindr, Tinder 18, Tinder app