Facebook will now be conducting a verification process, wherein users in the dating feature of the app will go through a face scan. The AI face-scanning tool called Yoti, will estimate a user's age based on their facial features. This is to verify that the user is actually over 18, which is the age requirement for Facebook dating.
The Importance of Verification
Verification will prevent underaged users from accessing the feature, making it exclusive for adults. Facebook users can still submit a copy of their ID for the process, but they can also opt for the face scan. The way it works is that the facial features will be analyzed after uploading a selfie video, which falls on a third-party company assisting Meta.
According to reports, this only goes for the ages that are close to 17 years old, and adults who are apparently old enough won't need to verify. This is used, however, for Instagram users who attempt to change their birthdate, as mentioned in The Verge. This will prevent underaged Instagram users from accessing accounts with certain age restrictions.
How Accurate is Yoti?
According to reports, the AI face scanner's system has a 99.65% accuracy rate, when it comes to tagging 13-17-year-olds under 23. It has already been used by Meta for hundreds of thousands of users. A vast 81% choose the face scan to verify their age on Instagram when the app requires it.
However, there have been instances of inaccuracy. For instance, the tool cannot determine the age accurately for women with darker skin tones. This has already raised concerns for other researchers, since the race, age, and gender of a user can sometimes play a part in the scanner's wrong analysis.
How Does Facebook Dating Work?
As mentioned, you must be at least 18 years old, and your Facebook account should also be at least 30 days old. Make sure that your country supports the feature, as others don't have it. If you can't use Facebook's dating feature, this might be because you have an inactive account. You will also be restricted if you violated the Terms of Service, Community Standards, and policies.
If you're worried about how your dating profile will affect your main Facebook account, it won't. Facebook dating is a different area in Facebook altogether. You will be able to create a separate profile, and your activities won't appear anywhere in your feed. Unless your friends are in the Facebook Dating scene as well, they won't see your profile.
There's also a separate messaging apart from Facebook's Messenger. Your matches may be based on the details you provide, and your interest on Facebook, like Groups or Events. Of course, you can set your own dating preferences as well. Once you don't feel like using the feature anymore, you can easily delete them without affecting your main account.
The verification process makes sure that the person you could match with on the dating feature, is actually who they are. It will also verify that they are not underage, which makes Facebook Dating a reliable place to find someone you can connect with in various ways.
