**Tinder Introduces Compulsory Face Verification for New Users in the US**
Tinder, the widely-used dating application, is launching a compulsory face verification feature for all new users in the United States, beginning this week in California and gradually extending to other states. This initiative is intended to improve user safety and tackle issues such as catfishing and scams that are common in online dating.
### The Face Check Feature
When opening the app for the first time, new users will be asked to perform a moving face scan, similar to the initial setup for Face ID on iPhones. This feature, referred to as Face Check, aims to confirm that the individual is genuine and physically present, as well as to ensure that their face corresponds with the photos they have uploaded to their profile.
According to Match Group, the parent company of Tinder, the face scan will be assessed against the profile photos to guarantee consistency. Yoel Roth, Head of Trust & Safety at Match Group, underscored the importance of this feature, stating, “Face Check is perhaps the most measurably impactful Trust and Safety feature I’ve seen in my 15-year career.” He pointed out that it tackles one of the most challenging concerns in online dating—validating user authenticity—while establishing barriers for malicious actors.
### Technology Behind Face Check
The technology powering Face Check is designed to identify users with multiple accounts, scammers using stolen images, and bots that employ AI-generated photos. Although the app does not use the iPhone’s Face ID module for an actual 3D scan, it captures images from various perspectives to create a 3D model of the user’s face.
After the verification process is finalized, the video selfies captured by users are immediately deleted. The app retains only a non-reversible, encrypted face map and face vector to assist in verifying new photos, detecting fraudulent activity, and preventing duplicate accounts. This strategy reflects Tinder’s dedication to user safety while safeguarding privacy.
### Addressing Catfishing and Scams
Catfishing and various scams have emerged as major issues on dating platforms, with bots using generative AI to engage users in conversations, enabling scammers to scale their operations. The rollout of face verification is a proactive approach to tackle these problems and is likely to become a standard practice across different dating apps as they seek to enhance user trust and safety.
### Conclusion
Tinder’s compulsory face verification feature signifies a major advancement toward improving safety in online dating. By employing sophisticated technology to verify user identities, Tinder aspires to cultivate a more secure atmosphere for its users, establishing a new benchmark in the dating sector. As the rollout progresses, it will be intriguing to observe how this feature influences user experience and the overall security of online dating platforms.
