Tinder Has Added Global ID Verification to Create a Safer App Community

It’s a world first move from the dating app.

If you’ve ever used a dating app or gone on a couple of blind dates, you might be familiar with the nerves that come along with not knowing who you might be meeting, and whether or not you can trust that they are who they say they are.

Tinder has noticed this worry, and to make the app a safer and more comfortable space for all users, they have decided to start rolling out an ID verification feature all over the globe.

Essentially, ID verification works like a passport or driver’s licence. It relies on government-issued documentation for proof of identity to help prevent people from lying about who they are to other app users.

The exciting safety feature has been up and running in Japan since 2019, but as of Tuesday, the app will roll out a voluntary version of the feature world-wide.

While it is voluntary to start with (except in countries where mandated by law) the app will take a “test-and-learn” approach to ensure that the ID verification process contributes to an “equitable, inclusive and privacy-friendly” online space.

The new feature is a world-first in the online dating world and is sure to do a whole lotta good in protecting the safety of singles.

Tinder’s Head of Trust and Safety Product Rory Kozoll described the move as beneficial, saying he looks forward to all members interacting with the new feature.

“We hope all our members worldwide will see the benefits of interacting with people who have gone through our ID verification process,” he said.

“We look forward to a day when as many people as possible are verified on Tinder.”

Tinder has always been big on safety, having rolled out more than 10 key safety features over the last two years, including Tinder Rules, Photo Verification, their Safety Centre, Video Chat, Noonlight, Traveler Alert, Reporting and more.

The app is also well known for its double opt-in technology swipe feature that is based on the premise of mutual consent before a connection is made.

On top of adding the safety feature to protect you from essentially being catfished, the feature is also a great option for those who might not want to share their real-world identity online.

“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,” Vice President of Safety and Social Advocacy at Match Group Tracey Breeden said.

“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.”

So, if you’re looking to date as safely as you can, make sure to take full advantage of the safety features available on Tinder, or any other dating service you’re using. They’re there to help you.

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