United Kingdom, Aug. 14 -- Bumble has scrapped its policy of only allowing women to send the first message to a match.

The popular dating app - which launched in 2014 - has decided to drop its signature policy that previously distinguished Bumble from rival platforms like Tinder and Hinge.

Luke Brunning, a philosopher who studies the ethics of technology and relationships, explained to the Guardian newspaper: "Bumble is in salvage mode.

"They've already reorganised, restructured and cut jobs in response to declining revenue. This risky, standout pivot suggests they're wondering how, despite all that, to keep going."

Bumble has suffered a serious downturn over the last 12 months, and the policy change is seen as a reaction to its decli...