According to the latest reports, Tinder said on Monday that in the next few quarters, it will provide identity verification functions to all users around the world. This feature allows users to verify their identity by uploading documents; in Japan, this feature has been in use since 2019. Usually, a passport or permit is used, but it may vary from place to place.
The company said that when launching this feature, it will consider expert suggestions and Tinder members’ input on which documents will be used in each country and local regulations and laws. Tinder said it will use feedback to ensure that the entire process is inclusive and privacy-friendly.
Rory Kozoll, Tinder’s director of trust and security products, said the company is taking a test and learning approach to launch identity verification. Kozoll said in a statement: We know that one of the most valuable things Tinder can do to make users feel safe is to make them believe that their match is real and have more control over who they interact with.
The identity verification feature will initially be voluntary unless required by local law, and Tinder acknowledges that some users may not want to share their identities online. Tracey Breeden, vice president of security and social advocacy at Tinder’s parent company Match Group, said: We know that in many parts of the world and in traditionally marginalized communities, people may have compelling reasons that they cannot or don’t want to be on the Internet. Share your true identity on the Internet. Creating a truly fair solution for identity verification is a challenging but vital security project. We hope that the community and experts can provide information on our methods.
Tinder will continue to add security-focused features to its applications. Last year, it added a photo verification system and added a blue tick to the user’s dating profile. In March of this year, Match Group announced an investment in the background investigation company Garbo and said it would provide this technology to Tinder users, although it has not done so yet.
