Tinder rolls out facial recognition for user verification in California
- Tinder has implemented a facial recognition feature called Face Check to improve user verification and security in California.
- The feature scans a video selfie to ensure users match their profile photos and confirms they are real individuals, not bots.
- The rollout comes in response to rising romance scams, highlighting Tinder's commitment to user safety and trust.
In an effort to enhance user security and minimize fraud, Tinder has launched a pilot program for a new facial recognition feature known as Face Check, which is currently being implemented in California. The initiative aims to address an increase in romance scams that have proliferated on dating apps. Tinder users in California are now required to undergo a verification process through Face Check during the onboarding process, which involves a short video selfie that is analyzed to confirm the user's identity and match it against their profile photos. This feature is powered by advanced technology called FaceTec, which helps authenticate users by ensuring that they are real individuals and not bots or fake profiles. The system also checks for duplicates using facial data from other accounts, thereby fostering a safer environment for Tinder users. An additional benefit of successful verification is a blue checkmark badge that indicates a user's legitimacy on the platform. While Tinder has previously offered photo verification as an optional feature, this new approach is mandatory for new users in California and marks the company's first U.S. rollout of such technology. The feature is also being piloted in other countries, including Canada and Colombia. Tinder stores verification data securely and claims it will be deleted once a user opts to close their account, ensuring user privacy. The increasing incidences of romance scams have motivated Tinder and other dating platforms to take proactive measures to safeguard their users. According to U.S. Justice Department and FBI reports, there were over 64,000 instances of romance scams in the previous year, illustrating the need for enhanced verification methods in online dating settings. The importance of verifying identities aims to create a fun and respectful online dating experience for users by reducing the risks associated with fake profiles and online fraud.