Bumble Introduces ID Verification To Make Online Dating Safer
Bumble doubles security tools, including the ability to verify user identity to enhance trust and drive user growth. New optional ID verification A special badge will be added to the profile of the user who confirms his/her identity through a government-issued ID card. The platform previously had a verification tool that allows users to take selfies to confirm their identity, but this took it to the next level. The tool is available in 11 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.
It is at a time when other social networks are fighting age verification, including whether to require minors to provide an official government ID as proof of age. Meanwhile, Bumble hopes to boost its user growth after quarterly revenue declines in the second half of last year. The company’s forecast last month was also lower than expected in the first quarter.
The new verification tool is also another way to cut problems such as catfishing. Bumble has long shown the current user location on the profile, so people can verify matches in the same area they claim.
No verification is required
Although Bumble does not require the user to perform an ID verification process, those who do so receive a badge on their profile, and people can decide to filter through that group to find potential matches. Meanwhile, the company has added a new feature called Share My Date, which allows users to share detailed information about their plans with trusted friends and family.
Bumble said the changes reflect the results of a recent survey that found three of the 3 daily reports believe that feeling safe is key when choosing a dating app. In addition to security, the company has launched a discovery page with user-friendly matches that include dating intentions, similar interests and sharing communities.
Liesel Sharabi, an associate professor at the University of Arizona, follows the online dating world, tells CNET that this can indeed encourage people who may not be willing to do it before trying to date online.
“Security is often a big issue in online dating, and ID verification will make people more confident about the people they talk to,” she said. “Given the latest advances in AI, it’s more important than ever, which may make it harder to tell who is on the other side of the screen.”
