Amos Yee says his Tinder account unbanned after removal over alleged policy violations

UPDATE: Tinder in an email did not directly address queries on the account, issuing an automated response stating only that non-media enquiries would not receive a reply.

A Hinge spokesperson, responding on background, declined to comment on individual accounts but outlined that users convicted of violent or sexual crimes are barred and that bans may be reviewed through an appeals process.

SINGAPORE: Profiles linked to Singaporean blogger Amos Yee appeared on dating platforms Tinder and Hinge in April 2026 before both were removed for alleged violations of platform policies, according to screenshots and statements attributed to Yee.

Tinder reportedly reinstated his account following an appeal.

The Online Citizen has contacted Tinder and Hinge to seek clarification on the reported bans of Amos Yee’s accounts, and to confirm whether his Tinder account has been reinstated.

The development comes weeks after Yee’s deportation from the United States and his return to Singapore, where he faces charges related to national service obligations.

Emergence of dating profiles

On 17 April, a photograph of what appeared to be a Tinder profile was posted on an X account believed to belong to Yee.

The profile identified the user as “Amos Yee” and described him as a “famous political activist in Singapore”.

The profile stated that he created blog posts and videos advocating freedom of expression as well as access to food and healthcare.

It also included personal statements about his interests and lifestyle.

According to local media outlet Stomp, the profile described Yee as someone who had “been to prison like four times” and expressed pride in that history. It also characterised him as a “nerd” who enjoys reading, films, anime, and self-development.

The description added that he practised meditation and exercise daily and was seeking meaningful conversations and connection. The profile indicated he was open to both long-term and short-term relationships.

Additional profile details included a declaration of bisexuality and interests such as Harry Potter, film festivals, and nature. In response to a prompt about life priorities, the profile stated that life was too short for pursuing conventional education and careers without taking risks.

Images associated with the account reportedly included several photographs of Yee, including shirtless images.

Ban notifications and appeal

On 21 April, the same X account shared two further images.

One appeared to show a notification indicating that a Tinder account had been banned for violating the platform’s Terms of Use or Community Guidelines.

The second image showed what appeared to be confirmation that an appeal against the ban had been submitted and was under review.

Separately, a user on a Singapore-based Reddit thread shared a screenshot purportedly from Yee’s Discord server.

The image showed a notice attributed to Hinge stating that the account had been banned and removed for violating its Terms of Service.

Yee later confirmed to media outlet Mothership that he had created the accounts approximately one week earlier and that both had been banned.

He stated that he had been informed the profiles were “inappropriate”, a characterisation he disputed. He said he had not harassed other users on the platforms.

On 23 April, Yee posted on X that his Tinder account had been unbanned following the appeal process.

There was no indication that the Hinge account had been reinstated.

Platform policies and enforcement

Hinge’s policies prohibit misuse that could put minors at risk, with accounts found in violation subject to removal.

The platform also bars individuals convicted of or pleading no contest to violent or sexual crimes from maintaining accounts.

The platform encourages users to report concerning content or behaviour encountered either on the application or during in-person meetings. It also maintains systems designed to detect and remove accounts deemed to compromise community safety.

Similarly, Tinder’s terms explicitly prohibit registered sex offenders and individuals convicted of felonies from using the service. Enforcement actions may include account suspension or permanent bans.

Amos Yee deported from US, faces Singapore court over national service offences

Yee, 27, was deported from the United States on 19 March 2026 and returned to Singapore the following day. Upon arrival at Changi Airport on 20 March, he was arrested by Central Manpower Base enlistment inspectors.

He was charged in the State Courts on the same day with three offences related to national service obligations.

These include failing to report for pre-enlistment medical screening over a period exceeding nine years, from 26 April 2016 to 19 March 2026.

He also faces allegations of leaving Singapore without valid exit permits during two separate periods between December 2015 and March 2026.

Yee was remanded for one week for preliminary investigations before being released on 26 March on bail of S$10,000.

He left the Changi Prison Complex accompanied by his mother.

The Ministry of Defence (MinDef) has stated that failure to comply with enlistment requirements and prolonged unauthorised absence overseas would result in prosecution under Singapore law.

History in the United States

Yee relocated to the United States in 2016 following multiple legal cases in Singapore.

He entered the country in December that year and applied for asylum, citing political persecution linked to earlier convictions.

A United States immigration judge granted asylum in March 2018 despite opposition from the Department of Homeland Security.

Yee was subsequently released from Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody later that year.

His time in the United States later became marked by a separate criminal case. In October 2020, he was indicted in Illinois on charges related to solicitation and possession of child pornography.

Court proceedings established that Yee had communicated with a 14-year-old girl from Texas while residing in Chicago. He was found to have solicited explicit images through WhatsApp and distributed them online.

Yee pleaded guilty and was sentenced on 2 December 2021 to six years’ imprisonment, backdated to his arrest.

Parole and deportation proceedings

Yee was first granted parole on 7 October 2023 but was returned to custody about a month later for violating parole conditions. 

Conditions of his parole included restrictions on internet usage and limitations on proximity to locations where children might be present without prior approval.

He was granted parole a second time on 20 November 2025 following his release from the Danville Correctional Center in Illinois. He was transferred into Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody shortly after.

In December 2025, the Department of Homeland Security listed Yee in a public database identifying individuals facing deportation for serious criminal convictions. He was the only Singaporean named in the database.

Prior to deportation, blog posts attributed to Yee and circulated by supporters included an open letter opposing his return to Singapore.

The letter argued that he would face imprisonment and suggested potential political disruption if deported.

Singapore authorities confirmed throughout the process that they would accept his return.

Yee first gained public attention in 2015 when he was convicted in Singapore for wounding religious feelings through remarks targeting Christians.

Approximately a year later, he was convicted again on a similar charge involving remarks about Christians and Muslims. He received a further custodial sentence and fine.

These convictions formed part of the basis for his asylum claim in the United States.