Tinder Adds Facial Recognition With Latest Feature, “Face Check”

Regulation: Introduction of Face Check Feature on Tinder

Tinder has introduced a new feature called Face Check for its users in the United States. This facial verification system is designed to ensure users' authenticity by confirming that they match their profile photos. The parent company, Match Group, announced this rollout as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance user safety.

During the Face Check process, new users are required to take a short video selfie within the app. This video is analyzed to verify the user's authenticity and to ensure that the individual is not using a false image. If the video matches the profile photos, the user receives a “Photo Verified” badge as a mark of authenticity.

The feature also detects if the same face is being used across multiple accounts, helping to reduce impersonation and fake profiles. Face Check has previously been implemented in countries such as Colombia, Canada, Australia, India, and several Southeast Asian nations. It is now mandatory for new users in California and seven other countries, with plans for further expansion.

Tinder has reported significant improvements in user safety due to Face Check. Testing has shown a 60% reduction in exposure to potential bad actors and a 40% decrease in reports of fake or harmful profiles. This feature is the first instance of a major dating app requiring facial liveness verification during sign-up. It complements existing safety tools like reporting features and profile photo verification badges, focusing on verifying real identity.

Privacy concerns have been addressed by Tinder, with assurances that video selfies are deleted shortly after the verification process. Instead of storing the full video, a non-reversible and encrypted “face map” and “face vector” are kept to detect fraud and ensure authenticity. This data is stored for the duration of the account's life and is deleted upon account closure, in accordance with Tinder's Privacy Policy. For regions where Face Check is mandatory, it cannot be removed without deleting the account.

Verification data can only be accessed by Tinder's service providers when necessary for system management or troubleshooting. The data is securely stored on Amazon Web Services servers. Tinder does not sell or share biometric data and processes it with user consent. The only method for users to remove their data is through full account deletion. The system is designed to ensure privacy protection, with stored data not being used to recreate faces or alter public profiles.

Based on reporting by techround.co.uk.