In a move to enhance user safety and authenticity, Tinder is now requiring new users in India to complete a video selfie verification as part of the sign-up process. This new "Face Check" feature is designed to combat fake profiles, bots, and online dating scams that have become increasingly prevalent in the online dating landscape.
The Face Check feature requires new users to take a short video selfie, which is then compared to their profile photos. This process verifies that the person in the profile is a real human and not an impersonator. If the video selfie matches the profile photos, the user receives a "Photo Verified" badge, signaling authenticity to potential matches.
Yoel Roth, Senior Vice President of Trust & Safety at Match Group, Tinder's parent company, emphasized the importance of online authenticity, stating that "Face Check is arriving in India at a time when online authenticity has never been more important". He added that safety features like Face Check add a crucial tool in the fight against fake profiles and fraud, allowing users to focus on building genuine connections.
Tinder's Modern Dating Report indicates that Indian daters prioritize safety and authenticity. Half of Indian daters prefer meeting in public spaces, and over a third use video calls before meeting in person. This highlights the growing need for features that confirm the authenticity of profiles.
The introduction of Face Check builds upon Tinder's existing safety measures, which include ID verification, warning prompts, and enhanced reporting tools. The company has introduced over 20 safety features in India in recent years. Face Check aims to provide a quick, personal, and visible form of verification that users can rely on.
Tinder's commitment to safety in India also extends to working with law enforcement. The company responds to police requests within 24 hours and supports investigations through a dedicated portal. In addition, proactive AI detection is used to filter out fake accounts.
The Face Check feature has already been introduced in several other markets, including the United States, Canada, Colombia, and Australia. In the US, Tinder is testing a mandatory facial recognition check in California.
To use the older photo verification feature, users can open Tinder, tap the profile icon, and tap the gray checkmark by their name/age. Then, they can select "Verify your profile" to begin the process, which involves copying a pose shown on screen by taking a selfie and submitting it for review. The process is repeated one more time.
The rollout of Face Check in India reflects Tinder's ongoing efforts to create a safer and more trustworthy platform for its users, addressing the increasing concerns around fake profiles and online scams.
