DALLAS — To prevent catfishing in the dating pool, Tinder, owned by Dallas-based Match Group, is adding a new step to its verification process.
Instead of just taking a video selfie, users will soon need to also upload a driver’s license or passport photo to get a blue verification checkmark. Once the video selfie and ID are uploaded, Tinder will check to see whether the face in the video selfie matches both the photo on the ID and the user’s profile photos and check the birth date on the ID to confirm the users’ ages.
Users can still verify their profile by just taking a video selfie, but those who do will receive a blue camera icon badge, not a blue checkmark. Users will need to both take a video selfie and upload their ID to get the blue checkmark.
Tinder piloted the double verification process in Australia and New Zealand last fall and said they plan to make the feature available in the U.S. and Mexico by summer and in the U.K. and Brazil by spring.
Tinder says users who completed the ID verification option saw a 67% increase in matches than those not verified.
Dallas-based Match Group owns Match, Tinder, Hinge, OK Cupid, and more.
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