Vaxxing, not waxing is the new must-do before a hot date, with dating apps joining the White House on Friday to promote COVID-19 shots.

Tinder, Hinge, Match, OkCupid, BLK, Chispa, Plenty of Fish, Bumble, and Badoo are all adding vaccination status to the more expected details on dating profiles as part of a rollout over the next few weeks.

Getting the shot may also do more for lovers than keep them healthy, the White House said in a statement.

"According to research from OKCupid, people who are vaccinated or plan to get vaccinated receive 14 percent more Matches than people who don't plan to get vaccinated," it revealed.

Among the extra incentives being offered by&nbsp;Tinder, for example, is access to the "Super Like" feature to "help them stand out among potential matches," the White House said.

The apps include BLK, which is targeted at African Americans, and Chispa, which is largely used by the Hispanic community.

"These companies join organizations across the country that have answered the president's call by stepping up and offering incentives and information to help Americans get vaccinated," the White House said in a statement.

More than 60 percent of US adults have received at least one vaccine shot. President Joe Biden has set a goal of July 4 for that number to reach 70 percent.

As of Thursday, the United States has administered about 279.4 million doses, with 48.2 per cent&nbsp;of its people receiving at least one shot, according to the latest data from the US&nbsp;Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Tinder's parent company&nbsp;Match said its campaigns will include information about where to find vaccine sites, as well as other new app features including profile badges to indicate users' vaccination status.

&nbsp;

Vaxxing, not waxing is the new must-do before a hot date, with dating apps joining the White House on Friday to promote COVID-19 shots. Tinder, Hinge, Match, OkCupid, BLK, Chispa, Plenty of Fish, Bumble, and Badoo are all adding vaccination status to the more expected details on dating profiles as part of a rollout over the next few weeks.

Vaxxing, not waxing is the new must-do before a hot date, with dating apps joining the White House on Friday to promote COVID-19 shots. Tinder, Hinge, Match, OkCupid, BLK, Chispa, Plenty of Fish, Bumble, and Badoo are all adding vaccination status to the more expected details on dating profiles as part of a rollout over the next few weeks. Getting the shot may also do more for lovers than keep them healthy, the White House said in a statement. "According to research from OKCupid, people who are vaccinated or plan to get vaccinated receive 14 percent more Matches than people who don't plan to get vaccinated," it revealed. Among the extra incentives being offered by Tinder, for example, is access to the "Super Like" feature to "help them stand out among potential matches," the White House said. The apps include BLK, which is targeted at African Americans, and Chispa, which is largely used by the Hispanic community. "These companies join organizations across the country that have answered the president's call by stepping up and offering incentives and information to help Americans get vaccinated," the White House said in a statement. More than 60 percent of US adults have received at least one vaccine shot. President Joe Biden has set a goal of July 4 for that number to reach 70 percent. As of Thursday, the United States has administered about 279.4 million doses, with 48.2 per cent of its people receiving at least one shot, according to the latest data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Tinder's parent company Match said its campaigns will include information about where to find vaccine sites, as well as other new app features including profile badges to indicate users' vaccination status.

Swipe right on vaccinations: White House collaborates with Tinder's parent company

A panel of&nbsp;US&nbsp;senators&nbsp;questioned officials from&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;Inc and Alphabet Inc's&nbsp;Google&nbsp;on Wednesday about the&nbsp;dominance&nbsp;of their mobile&nbsp;app&nbsp;stores and whether the companies abuse their power at the expense of smaller competitors.

Amy Klobuchar, the top Senate Democrat on antitrust issues, said&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;and&nbsp;Google&nbsp;can use their power to "exclude or suppress&nbsp;apps that compete with their own products" and "charge excessive fees that affect competition."

App&nbsp;makers like music streaming service Spotify Technology SA and dating services giant Match Group, which owns the Tinder&nbsp;app, have long complained that mandatory revenue sharing for sales of digital goods and strict inclusion rules set by&nbsp;Apple's&nbsp;App&nbsp;Store&nbsp;for iPhones and iPads, along with&nbsp;Google's Play&nbsp;store&nbsp;for Android devices, amount to anticompetitive behavior.

Representatives for&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;and&nbsp;Google&nbsp;told&nbsp;senators&nbsp;the companies' tight control over their&nbsp;stores and the associated revenue-sharing requirements are needed to enforce and pay for security measures to protect consumers from harmful&nbsp;apps and practices.

But when asked by Senator Josh Hawley,&nbsp;Apple's Chief Compliance Officer Kyle Andeer would not commit to spending all of the mandatory fees on security.

Explanations from Andeer and&nbsp;Google's Wilson White, senior director for government affairs, about why the companies' fees do not&nbsp;apply to Uber Technologies Inc and&nbsp;apps that sell physical goods also failed to satisfy&nbsp;senators.

"I feel like unfrozen caveman lawyer," Senator Mike Lee said. "I'm not grasping it."

Senator Richard Blumenthal expressed concern about a call Match said it received late on Tuesday from its business counterpart at&nbsp;Google.

Match's Chief Legal Officer Jared Sine said&nbsp;Google&nbsp;wanted to know why Sine's planned testimony, which had just been released, deviated from previous comments the dating company had made.

"It looks like a threat, it talks like a threat, it's a threat," Blumenthal said of the call, vowing to investigate&nbsp;Google's action further.

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Google's White said the call reflected an effort to ask an honest question and the company would never threaten partners.

In his testimony, Match's Sine argued that&nbsp;Google&nbsp;and&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;both exact an onerous 30 per cent&nbsp;of any digital transaction, raising prices for consumers.

Match pays nearly $500 million in fees to the&nbsp;app&nbsp;stores annually, the company's single largest expense, Sine said.

Spotify and Match said&nbsp;Apple's&nbsp;app&nbsp;review process was opaque. Sine said&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;blocked a safety update to the Tinder&nbsp;app&nbsp;meant to warn LGBTQ+ users if they were traveling to a country where it might be dangerous to expose their identity because&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;said the update violated the "spirit" of a new rule.

But&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;would not explain how to fix the issue, Sine said. He said that&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;approved the update two months later only after senior leaders at Match's parent company at the time, IAC/Interactivecorp, raised the issue with&nbsp;Apple's senior leaders.

The hearing came a day after&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;said it would begin selling AirTags - which can be attached to items like car keys to help users find them when they are lost - in direct competition with Tile, which has sold a similar tracking device for more than a decade.

Apple&nbsp;said its AirTags were an outgrowth of its "FindMy"&nbsp;app, which is used for locating lost&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;devices and to share user locations and was introduced in 2010, before Tile's founding.&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;last month opened its operating system up to alternative item trackers and said that Chipolo, a startup competing with Tile and AirTags, is using the system.

Tile General Counsel Kirsten Daru testified&nbsp;Apple's FindMy program is installed by default on&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;phones and cannot be deleted.

"Apple&nbsp;has once again exploited its market power and&nbsp;dominance&nbsp;to condition our customers’ access to data on effectively breaking our user experience and directing our users to FindMy," she said.

A panel of US senators questioned officials from Apple Inc and Alphabet Inc's Google on Wednesday about the dominance of their mobile app stores and whether the companies abuse their power at the expense of smaller competitors.

A panel of US senators questioned officials from Apple Inc and Alphabet Inc's Google on Wednesday about the dominance of their mobile app stores and whether the companies abuse their power at the expense of smaller competitors. Amy Klobuchar, the top Senate Democrat on antitrust issues, said Apple and Google can use their power to "exclude or suppress apps that compete with their own products" and "charge excessive fees that affect competition." App makers like music streaming service Spotify Technology SA and dating services giant Match Group, which owns the Tinder app, have long complained that mandatory revenue sharing for sales of digital goods and strict inclusion rules set by Apple's App Store for iPhones and iPads, along with Google's Play store for Android devices, amount to anticompetitive behavior. Representatives for Apple and Google told senators the companies' tight control over their stores and the associated revenue-sharing requirements are needed to enforce and pay for security measures to protect consumers from harmful apps and practices. But when asked by Senator Josh Hawley, Apple's Chief Compliance Officer Kyle Andeer would not commit to spending all of the mandatory fees on security. Explanations from Andeer and Google's Wilson White, senior director for government affairs, about why the companies' fees do not apply to Uber Technologies Inc and apps that sell physical goods also failed to satisfy senators. "I feel like unfrozen caveman lawyer," Senator Mike Lee said. "I'm not grasping it." Senator Richard Blumenthal expressed concern about a call Match said it received late on Tuesday from its business counterpart at Google. Match's Chief Legal Officer Jared Sine said Google wanted to know why Sine's planned testimony, which had just been released, deviated from previous comments the dating company had made. "It looks like a threat, it talks like a threat, it's a threat," Blumenthal said of the call, vowing to investigate Google's action further. Google's White said the call reflected an effort to ask an honest question and the company would never threaten partners. In his testimony, Match's Sine argued that Google and Apple both exact an onerous 30 per cent of any digital transaction, raising prices for consumers. Match pays nearly $500 million in fees to the app stores annually, the company's single largest expense, Sine said. Spotify and Match said Apple's app review process was opaque. Sine said Apple blocked a safety update to the Tinder app meant to warn LGBTQ+ users if they were traveling to a country where it might be dangerous to expose their identity because Apple said the update violated the "spirit" of a new rule. But Apple would not explain how to fix the issue, Sine said. He said that Apple approved the update two months later only after senior leaders at Match's parent company at the time, IAC/Interactivecorp, raised the issue with Apple's senior leaders. The hearing came a day after Apple said it would begin selling AirTags - which can be attached to items like car keys to help users find them when they are lost - in direct competition with Tile, which has sold a similar tracking device for more than a decade. Apple said its AirTags were an outgrowth of its "FindMy" app, which is used for locating lost Apple devices and to share user locations and was introduced in 2010, before Tile's founding. Apple last month opened its operating system up to alternative item trackers and said that Chipolo, a startup competing with Tile and AirTags, is using the system. Tile General Counsel Kirsten Daru testified Apple's FindMy program is installed by default on Apple phones and cannot be deleted. "Apple has once again exploited its market power and dominance to condition our customers’ access to data on effectively breaking our user experience and directing our users to FindMy," she said.

US senators question Apple and Google on app store dominance

Whitney Wolfe Herd, at 31 has become a billionaire after her dating company Bumble's market debut saw a 67 per cent jump in shares on Thursday,&nbsp;

On Thursday at 01:03 pm in New York, the dating app's shares soared 67 per cent to debut at USD 72 on the Nasdaq, taking Herd's stake at USD 1.6 billion.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/dating-app-bumble-to-remove-body-shamers-off-the-platform-359847">Dating app Bumble to remove body-shamers off the platform</a>

"Hopefully this will not be a rare headline," the CEO told Bloomberg after stamping her name in the high-profile list.&nbsp;

The dating app which gives a woman the upper hand earlier raised USD 2.2 billion in an initial public offering.&nbsp;

"It's the right thing to do, it's a priority for us and it should be a priority for everyone else," she said on company's unique women-led management.&nbsp;

Bumble is among a number of Silicon Valley tech startups, which are seeking to capitalise on record-breaking demand for new shares on US markets.

The company was founded in 2014 by Herd, who is also the co-founder of rival app Tinder.

She left Tinder 2014 and sued the co-founders of the company over sexual harassment.&nbsp;

Match Group Inc, Tinder's parent ground, denied the allegations but paid nearly USD 1 million to settle the issue.&nbsp;

Whitney Wolfe Herd, at 31 has become a billionaire after her dating company Bumble's market debut saw a 67 per cent jump in shares on Thursday, On Thursday at 01:03 pm in New York, the dating app's shares soared 67 per cent to debut at USD 72 on the Nasdaq, taking Herd's stake at USD 1.

Whitney Wolfe Herd, at 31 has become a billionaire after her dating company Bumble's market debut saw a 67 per cent jump in shares on Thursday, On Thursday at 01:03 pm in New York, the dating app's shares soared 67 per cent to debut at USD 72 on the Nasdaq, taking Herd's stake at USD 1.6 billion. Also read | Dating app Bumble to remove body-shamers off the platform "Hopefully this will not be a rare headline," the CEO told Bloomberg after stamping her name in the high-profile list. The dating app which gives a woman the upper hand earlier raised USD 2.2 billion in an initial public offering. "It's the right thing to do, it's a priority for us and it should be a priority for everyone else," she said on company's unique women-led management. Bumble is among a number of Silicon Valley tech startups, which are seeking to capitalise on record-breaking demand for new shares on US markets. The company was founded in 2014 by Herd, who is also the co-founder of rival app Tinder. She left Tinder 2014 and sued the co-founders of the company over sexual harassment. Match Group Inc, Tinder's parent ground, denied the allegations but paid nearly USD 1 million to settle the issue.

Bumble's 31-year-old CEO, who left Tinder over sexual harassment becomes billionaire

Pakistan on Tuesday blocked access to Tinder and several other dating apps in a bid to control "immoral" and "indecent" content, just days after regulators threatened to shut down YouTube for similar reasons.

Pakistan blocks Tinder, other dating apps over 'immoral' content

Pakistan on Tuesday blocked access to Tinder and several other dating apps in a bid to control "immoral" and "indecent" content, just days after regulators threatened to shut down YouTube for similar reasons. 
 
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) said it had barred users from accessing Tinder, Grindr, SayHi, Tagged and Skout after the social networking apps failed to "moderate... content in accordance" with Pakistan's laws. 
 
The PTA said the ban addressed the "negative effects of immoral/indecent content". 
 
Shahzad Ahmad, director of digital rights group Bytes For All, slammed the PTA's "moral policing". 
 
"If adults choose to be on an app, it is not for the state to dictate whether they should use it or not," Ahmad told AFP.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/now-dating-app-tinder-asks-people-to-maintain-social-distance-over-coronavirus-284836" hreflang="en">Now, dating app Tinder asks people to 'maintain social distance' over coronavirus</a> 
 
He described the ban as "a completely ridiculous move" that people would find ways to circumvent. 
 
Tinder did not immediately return a request for comment. 
 
The PTA said the apps could request to have their blocks lifted if they show they are "moderating the indecent/immoral content through meaningful engagement". 
 
The regulator did not specify what it meant by that engagement. 
 
Last week, the PTA asked YouTube to immediately block all videos they consider "objectionable" from being accessed in the country. 
 
The demand was criticised by rights campaigners who fear creeping censorship and control of Pakistan's internet and printed media. 
 
And in July, authorities issued a final warning to Chinese-owned social media app TikTok, ordering it to filter any obscene content. 
 
The Muslim-majority country has several existing or proposed restrictions that target free speech, usually in the name of Islam or national security.

Pakistan on Tuesday blocked access to Tinder and several other dating apps in a bid to control "immoral" and "indecent" content, just days after regulators threatened to shut down YouTube for similar reasons. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) said it had barred users from accessing Tinder, Grindr, SayHi, Tagged and Skout after the social networking apps failed to "moderate... content in accordance" with Pakistan's laws. The PTA said the ban addressed the "negative effects of immoral/indecent content". Shahzad Ahmad, director of digital rights group Bytes For All, slammed the PTA's "moral policing". "If adults choose to be on an app, it is not for the state to dictate whether they should use it or not," Ahmad told AFP. Also read: Now, dating app Tinder asks people to 'maintain social distance' over coronavirus He described the ban as "a completely ridiculous move" that people would find ways to circumvent. Tinder did not immediately return a request for comment. The PTA said the apps could request to have their blocks lifted if they show they are "moderating the indecent/immoral content through meaningful engagement". The regulator did not specify what it meant by that engagement. Last week, the PTA asked YouTube to immediately block all videos they consider "objectionable" from being accessed in the country. The demand was criticised by rights campaigners who fear creeping censorship and control of Pakistan's internet and printed media. And in July, authorities issued a final warning to Chinese-owned social media app TikTok, ordering it to filter any obscene content. The Muslim-majority country has several existing or proposed restrictions that target free speech, usually in the name of Islam or national security.

The Indian Army has banned 89 applications and asked all its officers and soldiers to uninstall them by July 15, reports said on Wednesday. 
 
<a href="wionews.com/india-news/india-bans-59-chinese-apps-including-tiktok-shareit-uc-browser-citing-national-security-309464">Also read: India bans 59 Chinese apps including TikTok, Shareit, UC Browser citing national security</a>

Snapchat, Tinder, OkCupid, UC Browser, Bumble, ShareIt, Xender, Helo, CamScanner, Club Factory etc are among those 89 apps.

The Indian government had around 10 days back prohibited 59 Chinese mobile applications, including the famous video-sharing app TikTok, offering a harsh expression on India's stand against Chinese aggression. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/immediately-remove-52-chinese-apps-from-your-phone-orders-uttar-pradesh-stf-to-employees-307101">Also read: Immediately remove 52 Chinese apps from your phone, orders Uttar Pradesh STF to employees</a>

Some of the 89 apps are among those which the Centre has already banned stating "they are engaged in activities which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, the security of the state and public order". 
 
<img alt="89 apps" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9f896c2f-9878-4b13-986c-a602e4e1ef8f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/apps.jpg" />

 
"The existing accounts are required to be deleted and not left deactivated. Any service persons found on Facebook/using banned sites post-July 15 will be reported,"&nbsp;sources in the Indian Army said. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian Army has banned 89 applications and asked all its officers and soldiers to uninstall them by July 15, reports said on Wednesday. Also read: India bans 59 Chinese apps including TikTok, Shareit, UC Browser citing national security Snapchat, Tinder, OkCupid, UC Browser, Bumble, ShareIt, Xender, Helo, CamScanner, Club Factory etc are among those 89 apps.

The Indian Army has banned 89 applications and asked all its officers and soldiers to uninstall them by July 15, reports said on Wednesday. Also read: India bans 59 Chinese apps including TikTok, Shareit, UC Browser citing national security Snapchat, Tinder, OkCupid, UC Browser, Bumble, ShareIt, Xender, Helo, CamScanner, Club Factory etc are among those 89 apps. The Indian government had around 10 days back prohibited 59 Chinese mobile applications, including the famous video-sharing app TikTok, offering a harsh expression on India's stand against Chinese aggression. Also read: Immediately remove 52 Chinese apps from your phone, orders Uttar Pradesh STF to employees Some of the 89 apps are among those which the Centre has already banned stating "they are engaged in activities which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, the security of the state and public order". "The existing accounts are required to be deleted and not left deactivated. Any service persons found on Facebook/using banned sites post-July 15 will be reported," sources in the Indian Army said. (With inputs from agencies)

Facebook, Instagram, PUBG, Tinder among 89 apps banned by Indian army

As the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-all-fake-senior-chinese-official-heckled-by-wuhan-residents-284746">coronavirus</a> fear spreads worldwide, Tinder, the popular dating app is now urging people to "maintain a social distance in public gathering" while also telling people&nbsp;to "continue having fun" adding that protecting themselves was more important.

In an ad posted on the dating app titled: Your Wellbeing is Our #1 Priority, it recommends users to wash hands as the message links&nbsp;it to the WHO's official page on coronavirus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypt-detects-12-new-coronavirus-cases-on-nile-cruise-boat-284804">Also Read:&nbsp;Egypt detects 12 new coronavirus cases on Nile cruise boat</a>

The tips in the ad include: wash your hands frequently, carry hand sanitizer, avoid touching your face and maintain social distance in public gathering.

Twitter users, however, took a dig at the ad with jokes and memes.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Be extra careful fellows. Coronavirus is on tinder. <a href="https://t.co/RV5O2ubWYY">pic.twitter.com/RV5O2ubWYY</a>
— keshvin sidhu (@keshvinsidhu) <a href="https://twitter.com/keshvinsidhu/status/1235578588750958592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

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Why is tinder doing more about the coronavirus than the US government <a href="https://t.co/6jLoLU3zFM">pic.twitter.com/6jLoLU3zFM</a>
— 𝙴𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚢 (@emgrebz) <a href="https://twitter.com/emgrebz/status/1234959643375521793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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People still trying to go on tinder dates not trying to catch anything <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coronavirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coronavirus</a> <a href="https://t.co/oKLIX2vgbQ">pic.twitter.com/oKLIX2vgbQ</a>
— Animoh (@iAnimoh) <a href="https://twitter.com/iAnimoh/status/1235784542516056067?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

As the coronavirus fear spreads worldwide, Tinder, the popular dating app is now urging people to "maintain a social distance in public gathering" while also telling people to "continue having fun" adding that protecting themselves was more important.

As the coronavirus fear spreads worldwide, Tinder, the popular dating app is now urging people to "maintain a social distance in public gathering" while also telling people to "continue having fun" adding that protecting themselves was more important. In an ad posted on the dating app titled: Your Wellbeing is Our #1 Priority, it recommends users to wash hands as the message links it to the WHO's official page on coronavirus. Also Read: Egypt detects 12 new coronavirus cases on Nile cruise boat The tips in the ad include: wash your hands frequently, carry hand sanitizer, avoid touching your face and maintain social distance in public gathering. Twitter users, however, took a dig at the ad with jokes and memes. Be extra careful fellows. Coronavirus is on tinder. pic.twitter.com/RV5O2ubWYY — keshvin sidhu (@keshvinsidhu) March 5, 2020 × Why is tinder doing more about the coronavirus than the US government pic.twitter.com/6jLoLU3zFM — 𝙴𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚢 (@emgrebz) March 3, 2020 × People still trying to go on tinder dates not trying to catch anything #coronavirus pic.twitter.com/oKLIX2vgbQ — Animoh (@iAnimoh) March 6, 2020 ×

Now, dating app Tinder asks people to 'maintain social distance' over coronavirus

Imagine swiping right on any of the dating apps and see the door open to a romantic conversation which could quickly escalate to a chat on politics followed by a polite enquiry on which leader you like and who you may vote for.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/brad-pitt-clarifies-hes-not-a-tinder-user-im-not-even-really-sure-how-it-all-works-276685">Also Read: Brad Pitt clarifies he's not a Tinder user</a>

You may think it's normal people do talk politics as a way of getting to know each other but, beware!&nbsp;

That's a clever, intentional use of flirting for political gains dating apps - a fertile ground to connect with voters. It is becoming the next big digital tool for political campaigns in the US.

With the race for the White House heating up, candidates have turned to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tech-news-tinder-launches-panic-button-to-strengthen-safety-276274">Tinder </a>and Bumble dating apps for votes.

The widely-used dating apps provide an excellent platform to undertake political conversions. Candidates are not ready to let go of any opportunity to influence a potential voter in a tight contest where every vote counts.&nbsp;

In fact, just days ahead of the Iowa caucus, Democratic presidential candidate - Elizebeth Warren was all ears to the&nbsp;"digital plan", when one of her supporters reportedly pitched the idea to her.

Elizabeth Warren is not the only one to get such volunteers, at least two women drew media attention in 2016 for using their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-requires-tinder-to-share-users-data-with-security-services-224023">Tinder</a> profiles to make pitches for Democrat Bernie Sanders.

The relaxed, intimate dating chat box is nothing like the politically charged debates and rallies, open to ideas, willing to listen, ready to spend time are qualities that would impress a potential date or, in this case, any political leader. After all, nearly half of those under-30 in America have used a dating app - a statistic that led New York Congressional candidate Suraj Patel to encourage his supporters to use dating apps such as Tinder to talk to as many people as possible. He called the strategy "Tinder banking".&nbsp;

Political campaigners say it is the modern way of reaching out to voters however experts classify it as taking advantage of people's expectation of a romantic connection.

Imagine swiping right on any of the dating apps and see the door open to a romantic conversation which could quickly escalate to a chat on politics followed by a polite enquiry on which leader you like and who you may vote for.

Imagine swiping right on any of the dating apps and see the door open to a romantic conversation which could quickly escalate to a chat on politics followed by a polite enquiry on which leader you like and who you may vote for. Also Read: Brad Pitt clarifies he's not a Tinder user You may think it's normal people do talk politics as a way of getting to know each other but, beware! That's a clever, intentional use of flirting for political gains dating apps - a fertile ground to connect with voters. It is becoming the next big digital tool for political campaigns in the US. With the race for the White House heating up, candidates have turned to Tinder and Bumble dating apps for votes. The widely-used dating apps provide an excellent platform to undertake political conversions. Candidates are not ready to let go of any opportunity to influence a potential voter in a tight contest where every vote counts. In fact, just days ahead of the Iowa caucus, Democratic presidential candidate - Elizebeth Warren was all ears to the "digital plan", when one of her supporters reportedly pitched the idea to her. Elizabeth Warren is not the only one to get such volunteers, at least two women drew media attention in 2016 for using their Tinder profiles to make pitches for Democrat Bernie Sanders. The relaxed, intimate dating chat box is nothing like the politically charged debates and rallies, open to ideas, willing to listen, ready to spend time are qualities that would impress a potential date or, in this case, any political leader. After all, nearly half of those under-30 in America have used a dating app - a statistic that led New York Congressional candidate Suraj Patel to encourage his supporters to use dating apps such as Tinder to talk to as many people as possible. He called the strategy "Tinder banking". Political campaigners say it is the modern way of reaching out to voters however experts classify it as taking advantage of people's expectation of a romantic connection.

In race for White House, US candidates turn to dating apps

Brad Pitt wants his fans to relax and back-off from endlessly swiping left and right on Tinder to strike a match with the Hollywood star. 
 
According to the news agency, the actor jokingly mentioned in his SAG award acceptance speech that "I gotta add this to my Tinder profile," which sent countless thirsty and love-struck people on a frenzy to spot him on the dating app.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/brad-pitt-reacts-to-reunion-with-jennifer-aniston-at-sag-2020-276478">Brad Pitt reacts to reunion with Jennifer Aniston at SAG 2020</a> 
 
the news agency cited an interview by Extra in which the '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/once-upon-a-time-in-hollywood-review-leonardo-di-caprio-brad-pitt-are-a-treat-to-watch-243172">Once Upon a Time in Hollywood</a>'&nbsp;actor was asked whether he knew that Tinder subscriptions shot through the roof after his light-hearted comment at the award ceremony.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cVz12M2awA8" width="560"></iframe> 
 
The 56-year-old artist, who was present at the 2020 Santa Barbara International Film Festival at that moment, seemed quite puzzled and replied, "I'm not on it. I'm not even really sure how it all works.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/sag-awards-2020-brad-pitt-waiting-for-jennifer-aniston-backstage-is-all-the-love-we-need-275432">Brad Pitt waiting for Jennifer Aniston backstage at SAG awards</a> 
 
It just sounded funny to me."It now turns out that only Tinder was the one to gain from this short-lived rumour that probably left many Brad Pitt fanatics heartbroken.

Brad Pitt wants his fans to relax and back-off from endlessly swiping left and right on Tinder to strike a match with the Hollywood star. According to the news agency, the actor jokingly mentioned in his SAG award acceptance speech that "I gotta add this to my Tinder profile," which sent countless thirsty and love-struck people on a frenzy to spot him on the dating app.

Brad Pitt wants his fans to relax and back-off from endlessly swiping left and right on Tinder to strike a match with the Hollywood star. According to the news agency, the actor jokingly mentioned in his SAG award acceptance speech that "I gotta add this to my Tinder profile," which sent countless thirsty and love-struck people on a frenzy to spot him on the dating app. Also read: Brad Pitt reacts to reunion with Jennifer Aniston at SAG 2020 the news agency cited an interview by Extra in which the 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' actor was asked whether he knew that Tinder subscriptions shot through the roof after his light-hearted comment at the award ceremony. The 56-year-old artist, who was present at the 2020 Santa Barbara International Film Festival at that moment, seemed quite puzzled and replied, "I'm not on it. I'm not even really sure how it all works. Also see: Brad Pitt waiting for Jennifer Aniston backstage at SAG awards It just sounded funny to me."It now turns out that only Tinder was the one to gain from this short-lived rumour that probably left many Brad Pitt fanatics heartbroken.

Brad Pitt clarifies he's not a Tinder user: 'I'm not even really sure how it all works'

In a bid to strengthen its safety feature, Tinder announced on Thursday that US users would soon have a "panic button" to inform authorities of any potentially dangerous situation.&nbsp;

Along with other safety features, Tinder unveiled this&nbsp;new feature that will help users to opt into the personal safety app Noonlight, which will connect users to personal emergency services.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-requires-tinder-to-share-users-data-with-security-services-224023">Russia requires Tinder to share users' data with security services</a>

The feature "acts as a silent bodyguard in situations when you're alone or meeting someone for the first time," said Brittany LeComte, co-founder of Noonlight.&nbsp;

A Tinder spokesperson said that with this feature, users will be connected to "trained dispatchers who contact authorities on behalf of the user."

The dating app is also adding photo verification feature to help users identify fake people in the app. The photo verification feature will use artifical intelligence and ask users to take real-time photos that will be compared with profile picture.&nbsp;

The users will get a "badge" if their pictures are found to be authentic. The photo feature is currently tested in "in select markets" and will be widely available later this year.

For further enhancing safety measures, Tinder said that it is launching a safety centre within the app to keep users updated of its resources.

Tinder, which is the largest of the apps in Match Group, claims that it facilitates one million dates every week.

(with inputs from AFP) 
&nbsp;

In a bid to strengthen its safety feature, Tinder announced on Thursday that US users would soon have a "panic button" to inform authorities of any potentially dangerous situation.

In a bid to strengthen its safety feature, Tinder announced on Thursday that US users would soon have a "panic button" to inform authorities of any potentially dangerous situation. Along with other safety features, Tinder unveiled this new feature that will help users to opt into the personal safety app Noonlight, which will connect users to personal emergency services. Also read: Russia requires Tinder to share users' data with security services The feature "acts as a silent bodyguard in situations when you're alone or meeting someone for the first time," said Brittany LeComte, co-founder of Noonlight. A Tinder spokesperson said that with this feature, users will be connected to "trained dispatchers who contact authorities on behalf of the user." The dating app is also adding photo verification feature to help users identify fake people in the app. The photo verification feature will use artifical intelligence and ask users to take real-time photos that will be compared with profile picture. The users will get a "badge" if their pictures are found to be authentic. The photo feature is currently tested in "in select markets" and will be widely available later this year. For further enhancing safety measures, Tinder said that it is launching a safety centre within the app to keep users updated of its resources. Tinder, which is the largest of the apps in Match Group, claims that it facilitates one million dates every week. (with inputs from AFP)

Tinder launches 'panic button' to strengthen safety

Facebook launches it's an online dating app in almost 19 countries. Facebook to compete with rivals like Tinder. In this users are allowed to connect their Fb and Instagram accounts as well. Watch this video to know more.

Facebook launches online dating service, ''site for real relationships, not hookups''

Popular dating app Tinder is now required to share users' data with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-people-missing-after-blasts-at-russian-military-plant-22-injured-223432">Russian security services</a> after being placed on an official register, the country's telecoms watchdog said Monday.

Tinder has over 50 million users swiping right to select dating profiles and find a match. It is part of the US-based Match Group of social apps whose parent firm is InterActiveCorp.&nbsp;

The Roskomnadzor watchdog said that Tinder has been added to its register "after it presented the necessary information".

Roskomnadzor -- together with Russia's law enforcement authorities and security agencies including the feared FSB, the successor to the KGB -- keeps a register of so-called "organisers of information distribution".&nbsp;

The register lists 175 sites and services including Russia's biggest bank Sberbank and the country's popular social media network VK.

By law, the companies on the register must store user data in Russia for six months -- including the content of messages exchanged -- and hand over any of the information to law enforcement authorities if requested to do so.

If the company refuses to comply, the authorities can act to block sites, as was the case last year with the embattled Telegram messaging app, created by maverick Russian Internet guru Pavel Durov.

In a statement, a Tinder spokesperson said the company had "received a request to register with the Russian authorities, and, as of now, we have registered to be compliant".

"However, this registration in no way shares any user or personal data with any Russian regulatory bodies and we have not handed over any data to their government," the spokesperson added.

Some Russian internet users made fun of the move, warning that FSB officers will now have access to any steamy correspondence or unrequited pickup attempts.

Popular dating app Tinder is now required to share users' data with Russian security services after being placed on an official register, the country's telecoms watchdog said Monday.

Popular dating app Tinder is now required to share users' data with Russian security services after being placed on an official register, the country's telecoms watchdog said Monday. Tinder has over 50 million users swiping right to select dating profiles and find a match. It is part of the US-based Match Group of social apps whose parent firm is InterActiveCorp. The Roskomnadzor watchdog said that Tinder has been added to its register "after it presented the necessary information". Roskomnadzor -- together with Russia's law enforcement authorities and security agencies including the feared FSB, the successor to the KGB -- keeps a register of so-called "organisers of information distribution". The register lists 175 sites and services including Russia's biggest bank Sberbank and the country's popular social media network VK. By law, the companies on the register must store user data in Russia for six months -- including the content of messages exchanged -- and hand over any of the information to law enforcement authorities if requested to do so. If the company refuses to comply, the authorities can act to block sites, as was the case last year with the embattled Telegram messaging app, created by maverick Russian Internet guru Pavel Durov. In a statement, a Tinder spokesperson said the company had "received a request to register with the Russian authorities, and, as of now, we have registered to be compliant". "However, this registration in no way shares any user or personal data with any Russian regulatory bodies and we have not handed over any data to their government," the spokesperson added. Some Russian internet users made fun of the move, warning that FSB officers will now have access to any steamy correspondence or unrequited pickup attempts.

Russia requires Tinder to share users' data with security services

Another case of luring people over social media with the sole purpose of extortion has surfaced, this time in Rajasthan.&nbsp

A man was befriended by a woman on an app and was eventually killed when he refused to pay ransom for his ‘abduction’.&nbsp

Three people, including a woman, were arrested for allegedly killing the 29-year-old man whose body was found in a suitcase on a Delhi road, police said.&nbsp

The victim, Dushyant Sharma, was held captive by Priya Seth (27), Dikshant Kamra (25) and Lakshya Walia (26), at their rented flat in Bajaj Nagar with a motive to extort money from him, ACP (Jhotwara) Aas Mohammad said.

According to the ACP, the woman befriended Sharma on a social networking app. On May 2, Seth invited the victim to her flat and asked him to pay Rs 10 lakh. When the victim denied, she threatened to file a rape case against him, he said.

The woman and her two friends, who were also present at the flat, later confiscated Sharma’s ATM card and telephoned his father demanding Rs 10 lakh as ransom, Mohammad said.

Following which the victim’s father deposited Rs 3 lakh into his bank account.

A transaction of Rs 20,000 was made from Sharma’s ATM card, the ACP said.

The three accused then strangled Sharma and chopped his body into pieces, he said.

According to the police, the accused have been involved in several other criminal cases in the past as well.

(With inputs from PTI)

Three people, including a woman, were arrested for allegedly killing the 29-year-old man whose body was found in a suitcase on a Delhi road, police said.

Another case of luring people over social media with the sole purpose of extortion has surfaced, this time in Rajasthan. A man was befriended by a woman on an app and was eventually killed when he refused to pay ransom for his ‘abduction’. Three people, including a woman, were arrested for allegedly killing the 29-year-old man whose body was found in a suitcase on a Delhi road, police said. The victim, Dushyant Sharma, was held captive by Priya Seth (27), Dikshant Kamra (25) and Lakshya Walia (26), at their rented flat in Bajaj Nagar with a motive to extort money from him, ACP (Jhotwara) Aas Mohammad said. According to the ACP, the woman befriended Sharma on a social networking app. On May 2, Seth invited the victim to her flat and asked him to pay Rs 10 lakh. When the victim denied, she threatened to file a rape case against him, he said. The woman and her two friends, who were also present at the flat, later confiscated Sharma’s ATM card and telephoned his father demanding Rs 10 lakh as ransom, Mohammad said. Following which the victim’s father deposited Rs 3 lakh into his bank account. A transaction of Rs 20,000 was made from Sharma’s ATM card, the ACP said. The three accused then strangled Sharma and chopped his body into pieces, he said. According to the police, the accused have been involved in several other criminal cases in the past as well. (With inputs from PTI)

Jaipur man kidnapped, chopped in pieces by woman he met on Tinder

Social networking site Facebook will soon offer dating services to its users, chief executive Mark Zuckerberg revealed on Tuesday.

While addressing&nbsp;Facebook's annual F8 conference, he told software developers&nbsp;"There are 200 million people on Facebook that list themselves as single, so clearly there's something to do here".

Zuckerberg also added that the platform was trying to build up the service by securing the privacy of its users as the social media was recently jolted over the scandal of handling personal information of its users.&nbsp;

A prototype of the new feature was revealed at the conference. The prototype, displayed on&nbsp;the screen,&nbsp;showed a heart shape at the top-right corner of the Facebook app. On clicking the icon the users would be directed to their dating profile if they have created one.&nbsp;

Potential matches would be suggested on the basis of dating preferences, things in common and mutual friends. The feature will also have two buttons for "pass" and "interested".

Zuckerberg also clarified that the optional feature will be for finding long-term relationships and "not just hook-ups".

The feature will matchmake millions of users present on the Facebook.It will also push the users into spending more time on its platform.

There was a reduction in the time spent by Facebook users on its platform at the end of 2017. The social media had revealed that the at the end of 2017, time spent by its users had fallen by about 50 million hours a day. This was due to the changes designed to reduce passive video watching.

The social media had thought of devising the plan for over a decade now.

Though no specified time has been announced for the new feature, the officials said that it will be launched soon.

Facebook's shares rose 1.1 per cent to close at $173.86 after the CEO disclosed the plan.

The new feature on Facebook will be a big competition for the already existing dating apps such as Tinder and OkCupid.&nbsp; 
 
 
 
(With inputs from Reuters) 
&nbsp;

Zuckerberg also clarified that the optional feature will be for finding long-term relationships and 'not just hook-ups'

Social networking site Facebook will soon offer dating services to its users, chief executive Mark Zuckerberg revealed on Tuesday. While addressing Facebook's annual F8 conference, he told software developers "There are 200 million people on Facebook that list themselves as single, so clearly there's something to do here". Zuckerberg also added that the platform was trying to build up the service by securing the privacy of its users as the social media was recently jolted over the scandal of handling personal information of its users. A prototype of the new feature was revealed at the conference. The prototype, displayed on the screen, showed a heart shape at the top-right corner of the Facebook app. On clicking the icon the users would be directed to their dating profile if they have created one. Potential matches would be suggested on the basis of dating preferences, things in common and mutual friends. The feature will also have two buttons for "pass" and "interested". Zuckerberg also clarified that the optional feature will be for finding long-term relationships and "not just hook-ups". The feature will matchmake millions of users present on the Facebook.It will also push the users into spending more time on its platform. There was a reduction in the time spent by Facebook users on its platform at the end of 2017. The social media had revealed that the at the end of 2017, time spent by its users had fallen by about 50 million hours a day. This was due to the changes designed to reduce passive video watching. The social media had thought of devising the plan for over a decade now. Though no specified time has been announced for the new feature, the officials said that it will be launched soon. Facebook's shares rose 1.1 per cent to close at $173.86 after the CEO disclosed the plan. The new feature on Facebook will be a big competition for the already existing dating apps such as Tinder and OkCupid. (With inputs from Reuters)

Now, Facebook to soon offer dating services

As technology revolutionises everything how can our love life remain untouched.

Today as millennials celebrating Valentine&#39;s Day are mostly single and without a&nbsp;date, several dating apps have come to their rescue.

Earlier, finding a&nbsp;date in cafes and parties was a natural thing, however, not it has now been replaced with the advent of apps.&nbsp;

In 2017, Dating app Tinder saw 20% rise in its&nbsp;usage on Valentine&#39;s day and the trend is expected to continue this year as well, though it should not come as surprise as markets, restaurants, malls are busy promoting couples and the Valentine&#39;s Day &quot;magic&quot;.

The age group of people turning to dating apps on these days reportedly is&nbsp;reportedly&nbsp;between of 18 to 30 years.

In fact, in America, reports show&nbsp;that from Thanksgiving,&nbsp;New Years to Valentine week the app usage spikes as high as 30 to 50%.

In India Tinder has also become a major hit. In&nbsp;2016, Tinder&nbsp;had&nbsp;said India is their third largest market in Asia with the app getting over 14 million swipes each day.

 
&nbsp;

In fact, in America, there were reports that showed that from Thanksgiving to New Year to Valentine week the usage spikes as high as 30 to 50%

As technology revolutionises everything how can our love life remain untouched. Today as millennials celebrating Valentine's Day are mostly single and without a date, several dating apps have come to their rescue. Earlier, finding a date in cafes and parties was a natural thing, however, not it has now been replaced with the advent of apps. In 2017, Dating app Tinder saw 20% rise in its usage on Valentine's day and the trend is expected to continue this year as well, though it should not come as surprise as markets, restaurants, malls are busy promoting couples and the Valentine's Day "magic". The age group of people turning to dating apps on these days reportedly is reportedly between of 18 to 30 years. In fact, in America, reports show that from Thanksgiving, New Years to Valentine week the app usage spikes as high as 30 to 50%. In India Tinder has also become a major hit. In 2016, Tinder had said India is their third largest market in Asia with the app getting over 14 million swipes each day.

Valentine's Day: Now, Indians find a date through apps

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Valentine's Day: Now, Indians find a date through apps