On Monday Tinder announced that it will make ID Verification available to members around the world soon, in an endeavour to create a safe and authentic community.
Tinder announces ID Verification for members globally
The famous dating app first rolled out the feature in Japan in 2019 and says it has used learnings from that to go forward with this decision. Tinder says that it is also working with experts to invest in safety on the platform. It says that the commitment is part of Match Group’s previously announced $100M (more than R1 billion) investment in talent, product, technology and moderation efforts related to trust and safety in 2021.
“ID Verification is complex and nuanced, which is why we are taking a test-and-learn approach to the rollout,” said Rory Kozoll, Head of Trust & Safety Product at Tinder.
What if not everyone is comfortable with providing their documents?
Tinder says that the product will begin as voluntary, except where mandated by law, and based on the inputs received will evolve to ensure an equitable, inclusive and privacy-friendly approach to ID Verification.
“We know that in many parts of the world and within traditionally marginalized communities, people might have compelling reasons that they can’t or don’t want to share their real-world identity with an online platform,” said Tracey Breeden, VP of Safety and Social Advocacy at Match Group.
“Creating a truly equitable solution for ID Verification is a challenging, but critical safety project and we are looking to our communities as well as experts to help inform our approach,” Breeden added.
The company, however, hopes that users all over the world will accept this decision and that more and more people on the app will be verified to ensure authenticity. Tinder says that another reason that made them push for the feature is that a lot of people like the idea that they are chatting with a real person. After all, no one likes being cat-phished.