Tinder introduces passport-scanning ID checks for UK customers

Tinder is introducing enhanced id checks for UK customers, involving a passport or driver’s licence being checked in opposition to a video selfie.

Anyone who indicators as much as the voluntary scheme will get an icon on their profile, verifying their age and likeness is genuine.

The courting app has been repeatedly focused by fraudsters.

The charity Victim Support stated the transfer was welcome however added platforms like Tinder wanted to “go further”.

“Ensuring ID verification is mandatory across all dating apps, rather than optional, would be more robust,” charity spokesman Wayne Stevens advised the BBC.

“Romance fraud is a devastating crime, particularly because of the shame and stigma around it.”

The fraud – also referred to as catfishing – includes an individual getting into a relationship whereas pretending to be another person.

Their aim might be to deceive somebody right into a romantic relationship, typically with the purpose of scamming cash from them.

There have been requires harder motion to fight the follow.

Tinder says the system it’s introducing ought to give customers extra confidence that the individuals they meet on the app are who they are saying they’re.

It will see customers who confirm a photograph receiving a blue digicam icon badge, and those that show their ID is genuine getting a blue ID icon badge. Anyone who completes each steps will probably be given a blue checkmark.

The system was launched in Australia and New Zealand in 2023.

The agency says those that selected to be verified in these nations have been much more prone to get a match – with a 67% improve in matches in contrast with unverified customers.

Along with the UK, the device can also be being introduced in for individuals primarily based within the US, Brazil and Mexico.

It shouldn’t be the primary such initiative from the app – which has been downloaded greater than half a billion instances, and describes itself because the “world’s most popular app for meeting new people.”

It has beforehand tried to confirm individuals via selfies in addition to giving blue checkmarks to celebrities.