Tinder is introducing a mandatory facial verification tool for new users in the US, called Face Check, aimed at reducing fake profiles and blocking “bad actors.” The feature requires new members to complete a “liveness check” by taking a short video selfie during sign-up. Tinder converts the data into a mathematical hash of the face, not a photo, to verify whether a user already has an account.
How It Works
- Face Check collects encrypted data points about a user’s face.
- The system checks if the face matches any existing accounts.
- Currently available in California, with Texas and other states coming next.
- Previously, verification was voluntary; now it is required for new sign-ups.
Privacy and Safety
Yoel Roth, Match Group’s Head of Trust and Safety, said the feature provides a “meaningful improvement in our ability to address scaled abuse”, since users can change emails or devices but not their face. Tinder assures that the stored hashes cannot be misused if accessed.
Early Results and Global Use
- Face Check, developed with FaceTec, has already been used in Colombia, Canada, Australia, India, and Southeast Asia.
- Tinder reports a 40% reduction in “bad actor reports” where the feature is live.
- The rollout reflects a focus on preventing romance scams, which have cost Americans nearly $4.5 billion over the past decade.
Future Plans
Match Group CEO Spencer Rascoff said Face Check will eventually be implemented across other apps in the company’s portfolio, including Hinge, OkCupid, The League, and Plenty of Fish. The company emphasizes responsible innovation and prioritizing user safety alongside privacy considerations.
Tinder, a pioneer in swiping-based dating since 2012, has seen declines in user engagement and paying subscribers, making safety features a potential differentiator in a competitive market.
Tags: Tinder, facial verification, dating apps, Match Group, privacy, online safety
