Tinder has confirmed that is preparing to test a new feature that would allow users to match with people anywhere in the world.
Rumours began circulating earlier this month after new UI screens were uncovered by trusted reverse engineer Jane Manchung Wong.
The dating app announced it will soon be testing the feature in select markets. Singles can have the option to remove geographical restrictions and let their profile be viewed by people no matter where they live.
A company spokesperson told Engadget: “Our Gen Z members have been telling us for some time they want to meet people across the globe, and our new world order, paired with our distinctive global scale, solidifies that demand. We already had plans to open geographic filters, and now we’ve accelerated them.”
Tinder admits the plans were accelerated by the global pandemic and lockdown regulations. It now believes that physical closeness isn’t mandatory for romantic or platonic relationships.
The potential update is similar to the premium ‘Passport’ feature, which gives paying subscribers the oppurtunity to specifically choose where in the world they’d like to be visible.
The Match Group subsidiary is also working on live video features, including one-to-one video calls and a group trivia game, to keep people connected while socially distancing.
In an interview with the BBC, Tinder CEO Elie Seidman explained that while the app is currently breaking records for user activity, the number of premium members has dropped significantly.
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