Tinder will begin rolling out an ID Verification function in its common hookup app. ID Verification depends on a government-issued piece of paper, like a passport or driver’s license, for proof of id. The function has been in use on Tinder in Japan since 2019, and it’s now rolling out globally, although it’s not but a requirement for utilizing the platform.

ID Verification will probably be voluntary at first, apart from the place required by legislation. Then, Tinder will take a “test-and-learn” method to make sure that its ID Verification course of contributes to an “equitable, inclusive and privacy-friendly” app. “We hope all our members worldwide will see the benefits of interacting with people who have gone through our ID verification process,” mentioned Rory Kozoll, Tinder’s Head of Trust & Safety Product, within the official press release. “We look forward to a day when as many people as possible are verified on Tinder.”

Whether you’re on the lookout for a hookup or one thing long-term, on-line relationship has all the time required additional precaution. You by no means know who’s on the opposite finish. At least if an app or service provides an official ID Verification course of, you realize the particular person is actual sufficient that they’ve a government-issued piece of paper. Other relationship and hookup apps, like Bumble, Zoosk, and Wild, already require ID Verification earlier than signing up. ID Verification may assist lower down on scammers on the Tinder platform, which noticed an enhance in complaints in the course of the pandemic.

Tinder emphasizes the give attention to security, including that it’s conscious that requiring identification is likely to be a difficulty for individuals who don’t instantly wish to reveal themselves on-line. “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,” mentioned Tracey Breeden, VP of Safety and Social Advocacy at Match Group at Tinder.

Tinder has applied a heap of security measures within the final two years in an try and current itself as a protected place to play, together with a panic button. The ID Verification function comes months after Tinder introduced it will permit customers to run background checks, although that function isn’t but reside.

It’s unclear if ID Verification will grow to be a requirement down the road. But for now, it is likely to be one of the best ways to find out if the profile you’re swiping proper on is somebody value pursuing.