During the annual developer conference of Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) the chief executive officer of the social media giant, Mark Zuckerberg, announced that the company would be unveiling a dating service. This came at a time when the social media giant was reeling from a privacy scandal. One of the distinguishing features of the dating service will be that it will connect single people primarily through shared events.

According to details already provided users of the dating service will not rely on their Facebook profiles which already exist but will instead be required to create new and separate dating profiles. Though users will have to access their dating profile via their existing Facebook profile their potential dates will view their special dating profile rather than the standard one. However Facebook has no intentions of making the dating service a separate app.

Facebook’s recommendations

People will be matched based on the recommendations that Facebook will make and these will rely on interests, location and so on. Additionally unlocking events or groups that exist on Facebook will also assist in finding possible matches with other people who have also unlocked the same events or groups. Per Facebook the service will be free and there are no plans to have ads placed alongside profiles.

According to Facebook a distinct messaging experience will be developed for the dating service. This is because unless those who are dating each other agree to exchange usernames or numbers they will not be able to use WhatsApp or Messenger. Any of the two people can initiate messaging but they will not be able to send another unless they get a reply. Initially the messages will be limited to texts so there will be no links, photos or videos allowed.

Launch date

THE MORNING REPORT

Start your workday the right way with the news that matters most.

Your information is 100% secure with us and will never be shared Disclaimer & Privacy Policy

Facebook hasn’t disclosed the executive responsible for the dating service though the profile team of Facebook is currently building the feature. The profile team is headed by product vice president, Will Cathcart, who joined Facebook in 2008 after a stint at Google. The social media giant hasn’t given any indication when the service could be rolled out though it is expected to be in the next couple of months.