Bumble Inc announced on Tuesday, February 6, that it has launched a new feature called Deception Detector to mark the International Safer Internet Day on February 6.
According to the company, this tool uses artificial intelligence (AI) to identify and eradicate spam, scam, and fake profiles across Bumble's various platforms, aiming to take action before members even see them.
“Within the first two months of the technology’s introduction, Bumble saw member reports of spam, scam, and fake accounts reduced by 45%,” Bumble added.
A recent study conducted by Bumble revealed a prevalent global apprehension regarding fake profiles and the looming threat of scams in the realm of online dating. In India particularly, concerns surrounding personal data security and the risk of falling victim to scams rank highest among respondents, with 29% and 28% expressing worry, respectively. This is one of the major reasons why people are sceptical about online dating and often resort to the traditional ways instead.
“Deception Detector introduces a fast, reliable machine learning-based model to assess the authenticity of profiles and connections on Bumble Inc’s platforms. Of those accounts identified as spam/scam profiles, Bumble Inc’s testing showed that Deception Detector supported in blocking 95% of these accounts automatically. This automated and AI-based technology is used in conjunction with dedicated human support to prioritise a safe and empowering community,” Bumble said in a release.
Lidiane Jones, CEO of Bumble Inc, affirmed the company's steadfast dedication to enhancing online authenticity, stating, "Deception Detector is our latest innovation in ensuring that connections made on our apps are genuine. With trust being more paramount than ever in the AI era, we remain steadfast in our mission to empower women and cultivate equitable relationships online."
“With a dedicated focus on women's experience online, we recognise that in the AI era, trust is more paramount than ever. We are being thoughtful about how to best use new models to reduce the anxiety of making connections and support our community, with AI standing as a main area of focus,” she added.
This latest release builds on Bumble Inc's ongoing AI-driven initiatives aimed at combatting misogyny, harassment, and toxicity online through features like Private Detector and AI-powered photo verification.
Bumble was also a founding member and the first dating app to join forces with the Partnership on AI, a non-profit coalition committed to the responsible use of artificial intelligence.
The rollout of Deception Detector will be across Bumble, Badoo, and Bumble For Friends for users worldwide.
On Monday (February 5), Tinder also announced new user warnings aimed at the app's main users aged 18-25, guiding appropriate behaviour and a chance to correct actions.
