Bumble

Image: Bumble

Starting in June, artificial intelligence will shield Bumble users from unsolicited lewd photographs sent through the app’s messaging tool. The AI feature - which has been dubbed Private Detector, as in “private parts” - will automatically blur explicit photos shared within a chat and warn the user that they’ve received an obscene image. The user can then decide if they want to view the image or block it, and if they’d like to report it to Bumble’s moderators.

“With our revolutionary AI, we are able to detect potentially inappropriate content and warn you about the image before you open it,” says a screenshot of the new feature. “We are committed to keeping you protected from unsolicited photos or offensive behavior so you can have a safe experience meeting new people on Bumble.”

Image: Bumble

Bumble famously banned mirror selfies and introduced new photo moderation rules in 2016. The updated guidelines served to further Bumble’s mission to create a safe, friendly platform where users were encouraged to interact with the same kindness and courtesy as they do in real life. Two years later, Bumble founder and CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd is taking that mission offline and into the Texas legal system.

A bill introduced in the Texas House of Representatives in March would making sending an unsolicited nude or sexual photograph a misdemeanor punishable with a fine up to $500. Wolfe Herd, who has been campaigning to make so-called ‘cyberflashing’ a criminal offence, has worked closely with legislators and lawmakers to set the bill in motion. If passed, the bill would take effect September 1, 2019.

Match Group announced some changes in key leadership and company structure in light of its new focus on the Asian market.

As U.S. and European markets make up the bulk of revenue for Match Group, the company sees great untapped potential in Asian markets, where young single populations are booming. According to Tech Crunch, there are more than 400 million singles in Southeast Asia and two-thirds have not tried a dating app.

Match Group is focusing on Japan, Taiwan, India, South Korea and Southeast Asia with three new general managers hired to oversee expansion in these areas. One manager is Junya Ishibashi, who will become general manager of Match Group for Japan and Taiwan. Taru Kapoor will be general manager of Match Group India, and Lyla Seo is now GM of Match Group for South Korea and Southeast Asia.

Bumble made a name for itself by inviting women to take charge of their love lives and make the first move. The company’s mission to empower women, shake up outdated social norms, and fight for equal opportunities struck a chord with frustrated female daters who quickly flocked to the app. Since then, Bumble has successfully launched platforms for friendship and business networking, and has taken its pursuit of gender parity offline with a string of initiatives including Bumble Fund and a partnership with Bloggers Who Brunch.

Bloggers Who Brunch is a Los Angeles-based experiential marketing agency that connects brands with influencers through social events and innovative activations. Bumble Bizz recently collaborated with Bloggers Who Brunch to highlight women in entertainment who are leading the way toward greater diversity and inclusion in the industry. The ‘Women In Entertainment’ series highlighted singer, actor and host of syndicated talk show The Real Adrienne Bailon-Houghton, along with actor, influencer and fashion blogger Cara Santana.

Image: Bumble

In just five years, Bumble has become a dominant voice in the digital space. The company expanded its initial dating-focused product to become a platform for meeting friends and a tool for business networking. Outside of the app, Bumble’s numerous ventures include a startup investment fund, entertainment industry initiatives, pop-up installations and brand partnerships. Bumble has proved it is one of the most ambitious leaders in the dating industry, so few fans - or detractors - will be surprised to hear the company has yet another launch on the horizon.

Bumble’s newest endeavor is Bumble Mag, a lifestyle publication created in partnership with Hearst Magazines’ branded content studio, HearstMade. The first issue features fashion entrepreneur (and real Bumble user) Lauren Chan on the cover and 100 pages of articles about dating, careers, friendship and other topics of interest to Bumble’s 50 million-plus users.

Image: Bumble

Dating app Bumble has set its sights on partnering with prominent female leaders, including tennis champion Serena Williams. The company just announced that she will be an investor and active member of the new Bumble Fund, as well as a global ambassador for the brand.

The Bumble Fund is an investment fund started by Bumble founder and CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd to help female entrepreneurs get support for their projects and businesses. It’s also a great way to market the company’s networking app Bumble Bizz. The Bumble Fund focuses on getting businesses started with initial funding, ranging anywhere from $5,000 to $250,000, primarily for businesses led by women of color and underrepresented groups.