Bumble, the popular dating app, has announced the rollout of optional ID verification and a new feature called Share Date, aimed at enhancing user safety. The move comes as part of a series of safety updates, which also include alerts for users who are about to send messages that don't meet the app's community behavior guidelines.

The ID verification feature, available now in 11 markets including the US and UK, allows users to upload a copy of a government-issued ID, such as a passport or driver's license, and take a selfie. Users who complete the verification process will have a badge added to their profile, and others will be able to filter for verified profiles and request that matches verify themselves. This feature is similar to one already offered by Tinder, which launched ID verification in Japan in 2019 and expanded it to other markets last year.

The Share Date feature, on the other hand, allows users to quickly share their date plans with trusted friends and family, including the ability to update those details from within the Bumble app if plans change. According to Bumble, 67% of US dating app users already share date details with friends, and this feature aims to streamline that process.

The introduction of these features comes at a time of change for Bumble, with founder Whitney Wolfe Herd returning as CEO this week after departing in January 2024. The company has experienced turmoil at the executive level, with its chief financial and marketing officers departing this year, and its business and technology officers set to depart in the coming months.

The rollout of ID verification and Share Date features is likely to be seen as a positive step towards improving user safety, an issue that has been a major concern for dating apps in recent years. By giving users more control over their online interactions and providing additional tools to ensure their safety, Bumble is taking a proactive approach to addressing these concerns.

It remains to be seen how users will respond to these new features, but with the online dating landscape becoming increasingly crowded, Bumble's focus on safety and security may help it to differentiate itself from competitors and attract users who prioritize these aspects.

In the broader context, the introduction of ID verification and Share Date features highlights the ongoing efforts of tech companies to address concerns around user safety and online harassment. As the online dating industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how other companies respond to these challenges and what new innovations emerge to improve user safety.