Increasing problems related to “social dating service”

-Need to mandate profile information verification and identity authentication-

  The number of “social dating service*” users is increasing thanks to affordability and convenience. However, the increasing number of problems associated require users to take precautions and preventive measures to be developed.

   * An online dating site/app using social networking services

  ■  False entry of profile information 

  According to the survey, 38.4% (192 people) answered that they have falsely entered his/her profile information which is disclosed to others. In regard to information that is falsely input, 19.0% related to “appearance” followed by “occupation”(15.4%), “personality or taste” (15.4%), and “education” (12.4%). Among those who falsely described his/her appearance (95 people), more than half said that they put up pictures in which oneself could not be identified (e.g. celebrities, back view, flowers, and animals) and passed the profile screening.

  The KCA also surveyed on whether identity authentication was carried out among top-five social dating services (based on the number of members). Five out of three services required identity authentication during the membership phase while the remaining two opted to or did not conduct identity authentication.

 ■ Policy improvements needed to ensure safety

   In order to ensure the safe use of social dating services, the KCA pointed out the need for policy improvements^*. In particular, there is an urgent need to introduce policies mandating the verification of profile information and authenticating identity. Furthermore, the KCA advised consumers of the following: ▲keep personal information “non-disclosed” in your profile; ▲select public venues to meet your date; and ▲do not adhere to request for money.

   * Foreign cases (US): Implementation of the Internet Dating Safety Act (New Jersey, Florida, and Texas) and establishment of the Online Dating Scams Guide (FTC)