Reported by Imani Wj Wright
According to one of the most respected institutions in the world, The Pew Research Center, Americans are practically divided in half regarding their views on the safety of dating sites.. 48% say dating apps are at least a somewhat safe way to meet people while 49% say they’re not safe at all.
It makes sense though, right? Think about how many horror stories we have heard about people being “catfished” or even worse, seriously injured or abducted by people who weren’t who they appeared to be. There’s an entire show about it!
Well, that’s where the developing New York based dating app Secure comes into play.
Secure is taking the dating world in New York to a new echelon. However, it isn’t necessarily open for everyone. Before we get into what makes the structure of Secure so cutting-edge and enticing, let’s go over a few key details. For one, the app is only available in New York City/State, at the moment. It is also exclusive to those who are first responder professionals, or in Secure’s words: “tailored to the professions who truly understand the hectic schedules, long hours, and dedication it takes to uplift the largest city in the United States.” So that includes all law enforcement, fire department, doctors, nurses, teachers, sanitation workers & so many more.
Secure’s developers have partnered with Plaid to ensure the safety and identity of its users. Plaid’s biometric detection puts each and every user through a 3-step verification that includes background checks, criminal vetting, and authentication process. Plaid uses an anti-fraud engine that signals hundreds of risk signals. Want even more details on how user safety and credibility is a top priority? Users must upload a valid NYS I.D. or U.S. passport, take a live selfie of themselves and lastly, upload a valid and active employment ID. Following that, they present a strict NO SCREENSHOT rule across the entire platform & a 2-message minimum before receiving a reply (curving unwanted messaging and harassment). These are just a few of their key features amongst many.
SwanoDown had an opportunity to speak with Lee Yokomee, one of the app’s developers. Yokomee addressed Secure being colloquially referred to as “Catfish-proof.”
“I've heard & read so many horror stories about people meeting somebody and they're either not who they say they are or they end up being some crook.I feel with Secure, you are getting exactly what you see since everybody is being deeply evaluated and vetted.” Yokomee explained.
Unlike many other dating apps, Secure desires more of a focus on the overall person, rather than just their looks, and the app’s interface will be developed in a way to encourage that.
“I feel like when you swipe left & right, you're literally just looking at somebody's picture. Mindless swiping, so to speak. You're not looking to get to know them past the physical. You probably don't even really remember their name. You're just looking at a picture saying, ‘am I attracted or am I not? But for us, we're going to do more of a scroll feed with a blurred feature, so you can look at the one person’s profile, photos & they’re about me in one view, all while the rest are dimmed. As you scroll, it will reveal the next user & so on & so forth. That way you can focus on one person at a time & all that they have to offer.” said Yokomee.
Secure’s launch is scheduled for March 2025
Stay up to date with Secure HERE
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