West Hollywood, California— In an effort to curb fraud and enhance trust within its platform, Tinder has begun testing a new facial recognition feature called Face Check for California users.
The popular dating app, owned by Match Group, is implementing this feature as a part of its ongoing commitment to improve user experience and ensure a safer environment for authentic connections.
The Purpose of Face Check
The Face Check feature, powered by FaceTec technology, requires users to take a short video of themselves during the account setup process.
The technology then scans the video to verify that the person is who they say they are, ensuring the face matches the profile pictures. It also cross-checks other accounts to confirm that the user is not impersonating someone else.
Once the verification process is complete, users are granted a blue checkmark on their profile, signaling that their identity has been authenticated.
Privacy and Data Handling
Tinder ensures that the verification data from the face scans is securely stored for the lifetime of the account, and it will be deleted within 30 days if the user closes their account.
“This feature is all about confirming that the person you’re connecting with is real, not a bot or spoofed account,” said Yoel Roth, Match Group’s head of trust and safety.
Safety Features and Increased Protection
Tinder has long included photo verification as an optional feature for users, but now Face Check will be mandatory for new users in California.
This aligns with Tinder’s broader efforts to provide a secure environment amidst the rising problem of romance scams, where fraudsters create fake profiles to exploit individuals emotionally and financially.
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According to the FBI, there were over 64,000 victims of romance scams in 2023, and dating apps like Tinder have unfortunately become prime targets for such deceptive schemes.
The case of the Tinder Swindler, featured in a Netflix documentary, highlighted just how devastating these scams can be.
Expansion Plans
Currently, Face Check is being tested only in California, with no plans for expansion beyond the state at this time, according to a Tinder spokesperson.
What do you think about the new Face Check feature on Tinder? Will it help reduce fraud and build trust within the community? Share your thoughts in the comments below! For more updates on tech and security, visit ridgecrestpact.org.
