According to The Wall Street Journal (opens in new tab), Facebook intended to roll out Facebook Dating to its European users today (the day before Valentine’s Day), but was blocked from doing so when Ireland’s Data Protection Commission got wind of the plan yesterday, on February 12th. So what’s the big deal? According to the same report, under EU data privacy rules, companies have to perform a data processing impact assessment (DPIA) before launching a product or service that could impact their customers’ data. Facebook claims that it completed that assessment ahead of the launch date, though Ireland’s Data Protection Commission has still expressed concern. As a result, the Facebook Dating roll out has been delayed.
What is Facebook Dating?
Facebook Dating is Facebook’s online dating service, which works like your standard dating app like Tinder or Bumble. The difference is that data from your Facebook profile is used to populate your Dating profile and helps pair you with a potential date based on a number of factors, like the pages in common you like or groups you may be a part of. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can opt to be open to people outside your network, or choose to stay in a relatively tight circle of friends of friends. You can also choose to include photos from your Instagram account. Facebook is currently available in 20 countries, including the United States. Not ready to connect your Facebook profile to your dating profile? Check out one of the best dating sites and apps (opens in new tab) for one that may better suit your needs. Alternatively, check out the best dating sites for women (opens in new tab) or the best senior dating sites (opens in new tab) if you’re looking for something a little more specific. Regardless of which one you choose, read our guide to know how to avoid online dating scams and other dangers (opens in new tab) and our online dating tips (opens in new tab) on how to successfully find love on the internet.
