The popular dating app Tinder has implemented a new security requirement across the United States. Starting Wednesday, users in the US must complete a “Face Check” step to log in. The primary goal of this new feature is to mitigate long-standing security issues such as catfishing (fraud by pretending to be someone else).

A new era for Tinder: Facial recognition is now mandatory for login

The Face Check process begins by asking users to record a video of their face with their phone. This process is similar to Apple’s Face ID setup, but is simpler. Tinder compares this recorded video with the user’s existing profile photos. If verification is successful, a small face badge is automatically added to the profile. However, the system’s functionality was already well-known, as Tinder had already launched the feature in Canada and California before rolling it out to the US.

FaceTec provides the infrastructure for this technology. Tinder states that it deletes the scan video to protect privacy but stores the user’s biometric facial data in encrypted form. The company will use this facial data to identify duplicate accounts, reduce fake profiles, and prevent identity theft.

Tinder’s introduction of facial recognition is designed to address a serious problem known as “catfishing,” where people pretend to be someone else to scam or blackmail other users. This also points to a deeper problem on dating apps: the increasing number of bots, many of which are controlled by artificial intelligence. These bots are used for purposes such as collecting personal information or tricking users into fraudulent subscriptions.

The popular app is combating these bots on several fronts. In addition to Face Check, the platform also uses “ID Check,” which requires an official government ID, and other photo verification methods.

Tinder also released a new feature last June that allows you to go on double dates with your friends. The company reports that this feature is particularly popular among Generation Z users. Tinder officials have not yet responded to requests for comment.

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