Facebook has launched a brand new dating service in Ireland and across Europe.
Facebook Dating is an opt-in service, where users create a separate profile and interact with others away from their main Facebook page.
In a statement, Facebook said the service has been built with “safety, security and privacy at the forefront”.
They said: “We worked with experts in these areas to provide easy access to safety tips and build protections into Facebook Dating, including the ability to report and block anyone, as well as stopping people from sending photos, links, payments or videos in messages.”
“We won’t suggest current Facebook friends as potential matches or notify them that you’ve joined Dating. For example, your Dating profile, Dating messages, and who you like or match within Dating won’t appear on your Facebook News Feed.”
“We’re committed to making Facebook Dating a place where people feel comfortable looking for a date and starting meaningful relationships.”
Users will be offered potential matches based around their preferences, and the service will allow users to connect with friends of friends if they want to – but it won’t suggest the user’s own friends to them.
However, a Secret Crush tool will allows users to select up to nine of their existing friends on Facebook that they’re interested in.
If any of the friends add you to their own Secret Crush list, you will be matched, but if they don’t – that information will never be shared.
The brand new dating service is set to rival apps like Tinder, Bumble and Hinge.
