Tinder to verify dating profiles of celebs

Singer Jason Derulo (L) performs onstage during the Tinder Plus Launch Party featuring Jason Derulo and ZEDD at Hangar 8 Santa Monica at Barker Hangar on June 17, 2015 in Santa Monica, California. AFP

WASHINGTON–Tinder said Tuesday it would verify the profiles of public figures, celebrities and athletes for the smartphone-based dating service.

The fast-growing service, which allows smartphone users to swipe right or left to approve or reject a potential date, also said it makes some 26 million matches each day.

Tinder said it would use the system employed by social networks like Facebook and Twitter, placing a check mark on the profiles of high-profile members.

“Starting today, you may see a verified symbol on some profiles,” the company said in a blog post.

“Now when notable public figures, celebrities and athletes appear in your recommendations, you’ll know it’s for real.”

Tinder is breaking free as part of a spinoff announced last month by parent company IAC/InterActive Corp.

IAC said its board approved a plan to spin off its Match unit which includes the online services Match.com, Tinder, Meetic, OkCupid and OurTime, and which operates in some 200 markets worldwide.

IAC includes a range of online assets including About.com, The Daily Beast, Investopedia and ShoeBuy.