Starting this week, Tinder has introduced a mandatory face verification process for all new users in the United States, beginning in California and set to expand to other states. This initiative, known as Face Check, aims to enhance user safety by ensuring profile authenticity and reducing fraudulent activities. The feature has already been implemented in six other countries, including Canada.
Understanding Face Check
Upon launching the Tinder app, new users are prompted to complete a dynamic face scan, reminiscent of the Face ID setup on iPhones. This process involves capturing a short video selfie within the app, which is then compared to the user’s profile photos to confirm:
– The individual is real and physically present.
– The face matches the one displayed in the profile pictures.
Yoel Roth, Head of Trust & Safety at Match Group, emphasized the significance of this feature, stating, Face Check is perhaps the most measurably impactful Trust and Safety feature I’ve seen in my 15-year career. It helps tackle one of the hardest problems online, knowing whether someone is real, in a way that feels seamless and effective for real users, while adding meaningful obstacles that are difficult for bad actors to circumvent. It sets a new benchmark for trust and safety across the dating industry.
Addressing Online Dating Challenges
The primary objective of Face Check is to identify and deter:
– Individuals operating multiple accounts.
– Scammers utilizing stolen images.
– Bots employing AI-generated photos.
While Tinder doesn’t access the iPhone’s Face ID module for a genuine 3D scan, it captures images from various angles to construct a 3D model, enhancing the verification process.
Privacy and Data Handling
Tinder assures users that video selfies are solely used for the verification process and are deleted shortly after review. An encrypted face map and vector are stored to assist in verifying new photos, detecting fraud, and preventing duplicate accounts. These measures underscore Tinder’s commitment to user privacy and safety.
The Broader Context
The rise of catfishing and other scams has become a significant concern in the online dating sphere. With bots leveraging generative AI to engage users, scammers can scale their operations more effectively. Implementing robust verification methods like Face Check is a proactive step in safeguarding users and maintaining the platform’s integrity.
