Tinder to require new users in California to use facial recognition tech to verify their profiles

In a significant move to enhance user safety, Tinder has announced that new users in California will be required to utilize facial recognition technology during the sign-up process. This innovative feature, known as "Face Check," is designed to mitigate impersonation risks on the dating platform and ensure that users are truly connecting with real individuals rather than bots or fake profiles. Upon registering, users will be prompted to take a brief video selfie. This scan serves multiple purposes: it verifies the user's authenticity, confirms that their face corresponds with their profile images, and detects any instances of the same face being used across different accounts. Successful verification will earn users a photo verified badge on their profile, enhancing their credibility within the app. Tinder has stated that while the selfie videos will be deleted post-verification, an encrypted face map will be retained to help identify duplicate profiles in the future. This feature has already been implemented in Colombia and Canada, showcasing Tinder's commitment to creating a safer online dating environment. It's important to note that Face Check operates independently from Tinder's existing ID Check, which is primarily aimed at verifying users' age and identity through government-issued identification.