Tinder Launches Eye Scanning for User Verification

Tinder is testing a new way to verify your identity that looks like something out of a sci-fi scene. It will literally scan your eyes to prove you’re a real person and not a bot or a scammer. But there’s more to the idea than just security — and not everyone is happy with it.

Tinder and Sam Altman’s World Project Launch Initiative to Verify Users’ Identities Using Iris Scans via Metal Balls Called Orbs

Tools For Humanity launched this program for Tinder users. They announced it at the end of last week. This announcement marks another important milestone for the project, since previous iterations of the project were met with criticism and failed to gain traction due to controversy surrounding the collection of biometric data.

While some may find the idea of verifying identities using iris scans to be questionable, it is attempting to address a very real issue. Bots, scammers and fake accounts plague dating applications. As such, users can trade their biometrics for what amounts to proof of authenticity and additional incentives within the application.

According to Sam Altman, the founder of World, in a few years there will be more content generated by AI than humans. His primary concern going forward is how to differentiate between a person and a non-human. He further emphasized that as long as that distinction is apparent, he sees no issues down the road.

In order to incentivize users to participate, Tinder will add bonuses. After scanning their iris with Orb and receiving a World ID, participants will get 5 “Boosts.” Boosts is a premium feature where Tinder increases one’s profile visibility in a particular area for 30 minutes. Typically, such an upgrade costs $10 each.

The World Project (previously referred to as Worldcoin) operated under a similar paradigm; individuals would scan their eye through Orb and receive a digital ID in addition to WLD cryptocurrency. However, while users were able to obtain biometric information in exchange for a token, that token lost a significant portion of its value – dropping from approximately $7.5 to around 25 cents.

Furthermore, Worldcoin carries reputation baggage. A report published by MIT Technology Review revealed Worldcoin employed aggressive tactics and manipulative techniques in order to persuade people to scan their eye. Many times these aggressive or manipulative tactics were directed towards individuals living in less developed countries and/or those who are considered vulnerable populations.

It did not take long for regulatory bodies to respond. In Europe, Worldcoin was required to erase all the iris data collected. The Kenyan government suspended operations for Worldcoin in 2023. The UK’s regulatory body has initiated an audit into Worldcoin’s practices.

Based upon the past actions of regulatory bodies and public opinion toward Worldcoin’s practice, a partnership between Tinder and Worldcoin appears to be at risk. If viewed pragmatically however, Worldcoin stands much more to gain from partnering with Tinder. Currently, Worldcoin has approximately 18 million registered users with World ID; Tinder’s user base consists of approximately 50 million active users weekly.