In Australia, there is the possibility of a radical overhaul of online dating, which would include having to show proof of ID to sign up to the platforms. Some men and women have claimed the rules under consideration by the Federal Government would lead to over-policing and “take all the fun out of dating”. Others agree proving identity to gain access to the websites and apps is a great idea that would make them feel safer and confident to meet up.

Over the last year where we have had more restrictions, a lot of singles have been looking to online for dating.  The singles I speak to have been weighing in with the fact that they would feel safer meeting people from apps if they were VERIFIED.  The fact that there needs to be a lot more security and authenticating someone is a great first step.  There has literally been many situations and experiences for singles I have spoken to of fraudsters more over the past year alone and for most there is nothing much that can be done.  Some revealed they had been scammed with matches they have communicated with regularly over weeks and for some months, over the phone.   They never got to meet the person and said that there were excuses when asked if they could facetime to get to know one another and the red flags came when they ultimately asked for money.  There has been many cases showing fraudsters and abusers could work from the apps with little risk of being caught and even worse repeat offend.

From my experience, I do not think policing the sites would take the fun out of dating at all, it might actually “take the FEAR out of dating”.  However, singles who want to meet other trusted singles do the right thing.  Hire a Matchmaker to meet a Matchmaker Verified Single.   Clients we work with must provide identification including pictures of their passport or drivers license, and for some I even go to their homes to be verified.

Do you think singles should have to prove their identification to sign up to meet YOU?

You decide!