Tinder gets alarm button and photo verification

Tinder is getting multiple features to ensure the personal safety of users of the dating app. For example, the app will have an alarm button for alerting authorities and forwarding location data.

Tinder uses the Noonlight service for its functionality, according to the Wall Street Journal. The dating platform wants to offer the technology for free. The intention is for users to enable Noonlight and give permission to track their location in real time on a date. Users can also record details about the date, such as the time and the person with whom they have an appointment.

When a user sounds an alarm, Noonlight prompts them to enter a code. If they don’t, they get a message and if they don’t respond, a phone call. If this is not recorded or if the user indicates that they need help by telephone, the service will warn the authorities that someone is in need. The feature will be available in the US at the end of January. In the months that follow, it will also come to other Match Group services, such as OkCupid, PlentyOfFish, Hinge and Match.com. It is unknown when the feature will be available outside the US.

Tinder also plans to implement a verification system that requires users to prove that they are actually the person in their photos. The company is testing a tool that asks users to take photos in different poses to compare them with the photos of the person already on the platform. In the event of a match, the users will receive a blue verification badge.