Bumble, the popular dating app known for its emphasis on women making the first move, has rolled out a new AI-powered feature aimed at enhancing user safety and authenticity. The tool, aptly named Deception Detector, is designed to identify and block spam, scams, and fake profiles before users encounter them.

According to Bumble’s testing, Deception Detector has proven highly effective, automatically blocking 95% of identified spam and scam accounts. During the testing phase, user reports of spam, scams, and fake accounts decreased by an impressive 45%. This initiative comes in response to concerns raised by Bumble users, particularly women, regarding the authenticity of their online matches.

Lidiane Jones, CEO of Bumble Inc., emphasized the importance of trust in the online dating landscape, especially in an era dominated by artificial intelligence. “With a dedicated focus on women’s experience online, we recognize that in the AI era, trust is more paramount than ever,” said Jones. “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.”

The prevalence of scams in online dating has become increasingly alarming, with reports indicating a significant rise in financial losses due to romance scams. The Federal Trade Commission reported losses totaling $1.3 billion in 2022 alone, with the median reported loss at $4,400. Bumble’s proactive approach to combating such threats reflects its commitment to creating a safer environment for its users.

Deception Detector operates in tandem with Bumble’s human moderation team, ensuring a multi-layered approach to maintaining safety and authenticity on the platform. This latest AI-powered feature follows in the footsteps of Bumble’s previous innovation, the Private Detector tool, which automatically blurred and flagged obscene images shared within chats.

Beyond its efforts to enhance safety in the realm of online dating, Bumble has also leveraged AI technology in its Bumble For Friends service. The app recently introduced AI-powered icebreaker suggestions to facilitate meaningful connections between users seeking friendships.

As online interactions continue to evolve, Bumble remains at the forefront of leveraging technology to address user concerns and prioritize their safety and well-being. With Deception Detector, Bumble aims to instill greater confidence and trust in the online dating experience, empowering users to forge genuine connections in a secure environment.