In a bid to enhance user safety and combat the proliferation of fake profiles, Tinder has introduced an AI-driven update to its Photo Verification feature. Previously, users could become verified on the dating app by taking pictures of themselves in specified poses, earning them a blue checkmark. The revamped verification process now requires users to take video selfies, and soon, it will enable them to restrict their chats exclusively to those who are Photo Verified.
According to Tinder, these changes are part of the company’s ongoing efforts to make the app safer for users. The update comes at a time when it has become increasingly easy to create fake images and personas using AI tools, resulting in dating apps being flooded with fake profiles operated by bots.
Tinder has collaborated with an unnamed third-party partner to manage the video selfie verification process. The new model prompts users to complete a series of video prompts, which the AI then uses to verify that the person in the video matches the individual in the user’s profile photo.
Starting Wednesday, users seeking Photo Verification or wanting to maintain their existing verification status will have to take a video selfie. This feature will eventually replace the previous option to upload photos. Existing Photo Verified users will also receive in-app prompts to upgrade to the latest version of Photo Verification to retain their blue checkmarks.
In the coming months, Tinder will introduce new features that allow users to see only other Photo Verified members in their recommendations via Message Settings. Additionally, users will be able to request their matches to become Photo Verified before initiating a conversation.
Tinder Gold subscribers will have the added advantage of filtering their “Likes” page for Photo Verified members only.
The company claims that the Photo Verification feature has contributed to an increase in matches on the platform, as users are more confident that their potential matches are real people and not bots. Tinder has found that among its 18 to 25-year-old users, being Photo Verified leads to a 10% higher chance of matching.
The updated Photo Verification feature is rolling out to Tinder’s global users starting today, while the ability to restrict messages to “Photo Verified Members” will be introduced in the coming months.
Rory Kozoll, Senior Vice President of Product Integrity at Tinder, said, “Customers tell us that Photo Verification is one of the most valued safety features as it provides one more way to help members better assess the authenticity of their match.” He added that Tinder would continue to prioritize such methods to make the platform a safer place to meet new people.
