The dating app company, Tinder, has announced that it’s going to introduce ID verification on its app for users around the world to help prevent catfishing - where someone pretends to be someone they're not. It will have to work out which forms of ID are acceptable for every market it serves and while it will begin as a voluntary feature – except in countries where it’s required – it could evolve into a requirement for using the platform as it evolves from the input it receives.
Commenting on the plans, Rory Kozoll, Head of Trust & Safety Product at Tinder, said:
‘ID Verification is complex and nuanced, which is why we are taking a test-and-learn approach to the rollout. We know one of the most valuable things Tinder can do to make members feel safe is to give them more confidence that their matches are authentic and more control over who they interact with. And we hope all our members worldwide will see the benefits of interacting with people who have gone through our ID verification process. We look forward to a day when as many people as possible are verified on Tinder.’
In some areas of the world, it could be dangerous for people to share their real-world identity with online platforms and Tinder says it’s fully aware of this. As the verification solution develops, the firm will try to ensure that the feature is ‘truly equitable’ as it gathers feedback from communities and experts.
The firm said that it first rolled out ID verification in Japan back in 2019 and has used what it learned in the market to develop the technology in a way so that it's ready for a wider rollout. ID verification is just one solution covered by a $100 million investment announced by Tinder’s parent, Match, to improve moderation on its products.
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