Facebook Dating, a matchmaking service company alrey offers in Brazil, Cana and 17 or countries, has finally arrived in U.S. But after series of privacy missteps by Facebook, question arises: Will people trust it with ir love lives? For Facebook that’s also working on its own digital currency Libra while simultaneously dabbling in e-commerce, love is ar step toward attracting youngsters. Remember, Tinder brought swiping and Bumble brought female-first messaging. Facebook’s version promises to be different. Although features of Facebook Dating resemble what or matchmaking services.

What about privacy?

“A feature on Facebook that people don’t trust isn’t going to be successful,” said Rob Sherman, company’s deputy chief privacy officer. “We built in privacy from ground up.” Tell that to Seth Carter, 32, an engineer from Terre Haute, Indiana, who tried a host of dating apps ranging from Match to Bumble, Tinder and Christian Mingle prior to his current relationship. “Facebook is here to make money and I get that,” he said. But he worries that Facebook’s stated commitment to privacy would ultimately buckle under pressure to make money off service. “That likely means y’re going to sell my dating preferences, which means even more intrusions into my life.”

Facebook officially forays into match-making, launches Facebook Dating

Earlier, Facebook was fined a record $5 billion this summer by Federal Tre Commission over privacy violations. Facebook is also under scrutiny for allowing for spre of election-related misinformation and discrimination in U.S. housing s. Facebook Dating comes at a time when popularity of online dating is on rise. In 2016, 15% of all U.S. ults said y h used online dating services, up from virtually ne in 2005, according to Pew Research Center.

How does it work?

With Facebook, you start by creating a dating profile distinct from your Facebook profile. It’s easy to bring over details such as your school and job — but you’re free to embellish or hide any of that just for Facebook Dating. You can also d up to 36 of your Instagram photos. You have to be at least 18, rar than 13 with main Facebook service. service isn’t limited to those who’ve listed mselves as “single.” Facebook Dating shows your , but hides your last name.

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Your Facebook Dating profile will be separate from main Facebook app. However, it will still allow you to tap your network of friends to identify “secret crushes.” Facebook Dating, a mobile-only service that’s free to use and free of s, can still help Facebook make money if it keeps people glued to its or services longer. Facebook insists it won’t use information gleaned from your dating profiles for vertising and says re won’t be s on Facebook Dating. (With AP inputs)