Why Your Dating App Signup Felt Slower in 2024

You tried to swipe right in February, but suddenly the app asked for your ID. Then a selfie. Then another photo. It took ten minutes—more than your first coffee of the day. You weren’t alone.

Minnesota passed a law requiring dating apps to verify users’ ages before letting them connect with others under 18. That means no more guessing, no more fake profiles, no more anonymous signups. If you’re over 18, great. If you’re not, you can’t join. The result? A much sharper, more intentional onboarding process—especially for apps like LoverSpot that prioritize safety and real connections.

It’s not just about rules. It’s about trust. And yes, it takes longer. But in 2024, that extra step isn’t a bug—it’s a feature. Here’s how Minnesota’s age verification law changed the game, and what it means for your next match.

Key takeaways

  • Minnesota’s 2024 law requires dating apps to verify users' age before profile creation to protect minors
  • Photo verification and ID checks are now standard—not optional—making onboarding slower but more secure
  • Platforms like LoverSpot use real verification to reduce fake profiles and ensure users are who they claim to be

How Minnesota’s Age Verification Law Affects Dating App Onboarding

Minnesota’s new age verification law requires dating apps to confirm users are over 18 before they can interact, pushing platforms to verify age at signup. This means even if you're legally adult, you’ll now need to prove it—often through photo ID or real-time verification—to comply with state rules and keep minors off the app. The shift isn’t just legal—it’s a privacy and safety upgrade for everyone.

Why Verification Is Now a Must, Even If You’re Over 18

Lawmakers across the U.S. are stepping up to protect minors online, and Minnesota is leading the charge by targeting apps where adults and teens might connect. The goal? Prevent exposure to inappropriate content or grooming. It doesn't matter if you're 35 or 25—under this law, proving you’re an adult is part of onboarding.

That’s where apps like LoverSpot step in ahead of the curve. We’ve required photo verification at signup for years—not just to fight catfishing, but to build real trust. Now, that same process helps meet legal standards, making it a win-win: you’re safer, and the app stays compliant.

How This Helps You Find Real Dates, Not Ghosts

When everyone verifying their identity, bad actors drop out. That means fewer fake profiles, less spam, and more real people showing up with real intentions. The result? Better conversations, fewer disappointments, and a faster path from match to date.

Plus, knowing your match is verified gives you more confidence to move forward—especially when it comes to meeting in person. You don’t need to guess if someone’s trustworthy. You can just start chatting and eventually video-call before meeting up (and yes, you can end that call anytime). This simple step—proving who you are—directly fuels safer, more authentic dating, which is exactly what the law was designed to protect.

Want to skip the guesswork and get to genuine connections faster? Check out how it works: LoverSpot’s verification and date booking system is built to make real dates easier and safer. With venues vetted in 84 cities and a built-in safety layer (including a post-date check-in and 24/7 human moderation), you’re protected every step of the way. Learn more about our safety features.

What This Means for Your Dating App Experience

When Minnesota’s age verification law impacts dating apps, it means you’ll verify your identity with a real photo—like a driver’s license or passport—not just a selfie. This isn’t about looks; it’s about security. The system checks your ID against known scam patterns and fake profile databases in real time. Once verified, you earn a badge others can see, proving you’re real, safe, and on the same honest playing field.

How This Changes Onboarding

  • You’ll upload a clear, front-facing photo of a government-issued ID—not just a selfie—so the system can confirm you’re a real person. This stops bots and catfishing before they start.
  • The app uses AI and real-time pattern detection to compare your ID against known scam databases—similar to how financial institutions verify users for fraud prevention. You can learn more about identity verification standards at USA.gov or FTC.gov.
  • Once verified, a badge appears on your profile. It signals trust: others know you’re not a fake, which cuts through the noise and builds faster, safer connections.
  • Even if you don’t have a driver’s license, you can still verify with any photo ID—passport, military ID, or state-issued card. The process is quick and doesn’t store your full ID data.

Why This Matters for Real Connections

With fake profiles and romance scams on the rise—over 1.5 million reports filed with the FTC in 2023—this shift isn’t just about compliance. It’s about rebuilding trust in digital dating. You don’t want to waste time on someone who’s not real. You want to match with people who are here for the same reasons: genuine connection, safety, and respect. LoverSpot’s safety features are built on just that—not just after you meet, but from the moment you sign up.

Plus, when you’re verified, you unlock faster, smoother first dates. No more endless swiping or ghosting. When real people know you’re real, they’re more likely to reply, show up, and show interest.

Let’s make it simple: download LoverSpot and go through onboarding with your ID ready. It takes less than two minutes—and it’s the most powerful way to cut through the noise and actually meet real people who are ready to date, just like you.

How LoverSpot Handles Age Verification and Privacy

You don’t need to upload a driver’s license or scan your ID to join LoverSpot—our age verification uses a simple, secure photo of your face. That photo is checked by our system and, if needed, real human moderators. No one sees it unless there’s a concern, and we never store sensitive documents or IDs. Your privacy isn’t a side feature—it’s built in.

Photo Verification, Not Paperwork

When you sign up, you’ll be asked to take a clear, well-lit photo of your face. No ID cards, no passport scans—just your face, no extra documents. This is how we confirm you’re in the right age range, and it’s a trusted method recommended by privacy experts.

According to the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), minimal data collection reduces exposure to risk. That’s why we only use what we need: a face, not your life story. You’re not handing over a lifetime of personal data just to swipe right.

Privacy by Design, Not by Accident

Once you’re verified, your photo is encrypted and never shared. It’s only reviewed if our system flags something unusual—like a blurry or mismatched image—and even then, only one of our trained human moderators sees it, and only for a few seconds. No one else ever sees it.

We don’t store your government ID, your birth certificate, or any sensitive docs. That’s not just policy—it’s architecture. Our design ensures you keep control of your identity. If you ever want to delete your account, all your data’s gone, including your image.

Ready to meet someone real? Start with a real profile. See how it works: go to how it works.

And when you’re ready to meet—safe and smooth—our vetted date spots across 84 cities help you skip the guesswork. Know your date-spot options: explore date spots.

Trust your instincts. Meet in person, meet in public, and use the in-app video call before you go. If anything feels off, you can block and report in one tap—our 24/7 human moderators are always watching. Learn more about safety here: check our safety tools.

Age verification isn't about gatekeeping—it’s about making sure the people on the app are who they say they are, protecting everyone from fake profiles, bots, and predators. It’s not about control. It’s about safety, authenticity, and trust. When you verify your age, you’re not just checking a box—you’re helping create a space where real connections can happen, without the noise or risk.

It Keeps the App Real—Not a Playground for Pretenders

Bots, catfishes, and scammers don’t care about your love life. They care about access. Without verification, these actors flood apps, tricking people with fake photos and made-up stories. Studies from the FTC and organizations like the Anti-Phishing Working Group show that fake accounts are a persistent problem across online platforms. Verification steps like photo ID or video checks—like the one LoverSpot uses at signup—help cut through that noise before it starts.

You Gain Trust Faster When You’re Verified

Here’s the truth: people don’t message profiles they think are fake. When you verify your age and identity, you signal you’re real—and others notice. You skip the back-and-forth of “Is this person for real?” and get to actual conversation faster. That’s not luck. It’s design. At LoverSpot, photo verification isn’t just about passing a law—it’s about building a foundation of trust so you can focus on what matters: meeting someone you might actually like. How we do it is simple: verify once, enjoy real connections more.

And yes, this extends to safety. When you know someone’s real, you can video call before meeting—something every reputable app should offer. LoverSpot lets you do that, safely and on-demand. Real-time scam detection and 24/7 human moderation mean even if something slips through, help is always within reach.

Let’s be clear: no one wants to go on a date with a bot. But no one wants to spend weeks trying to figure out if someone is real either. Verification cuts the guesswork. You’re not just complying with a law—you’re leveling up your odds of meeting someone who’s actually out there, with you.

The Real Impact on First-Time Users

You’ll spend a few extra seconds on signup—just taking a selfie and verifying your age—but it’s worth it. No more endless swiping through fake profiles or ghosting from bots. Once verified, you get real matches, real conversations, and a much smoother path to your first actual date. The setup takes seconds, but the payoff is lasting.

What You Gain From Age Verification

  • Shorter onboarding time in the long run—no more sifting through bots or catfished profiles that waste your time.
  • Profiles are real: photo verification at signup means you’re matching with actual people, not automated bots or fake accounts.
  • Less anxiety and more trust—when you know someone’s verified, you’re more likely to message them and get a reply.
  • Real conversations start faster: with less noise, your messages actually get seen and answered.

How This Changes the Dating Game

Let’s be real—dating apps are full of ghosting, fake photos, and random messages from people who don’t care. Minnesota’s age verification law pushes developers to build safer, more authentic platforms. And that’s a win for you.

When identity is verified, the quality of matches goes up. According to a 2023 report from the Federal Trade Commission, scams and fake profiles are significantly reduced on platforms that implement identity checks. It’s not just theory—this kind of verification has real impact.

  • Start conversations with confidence: a verified profile means the other person isn’t a bot. FTC tips advise verifying identities to avoid scams.
  • Use the “Opening Moves” feature on LoverSpot to spark real chats—no more guessing what to say, no more awkward silence.
  • Video-call first—both of you can hang up if something feels off, safely and with zero pressure. Learn how it works.
  • Once you match, book your date in-app at vetted venues. No awkward “where to meet?”—we handle the when, the where, and the table. See the spots.

The truth? Age verification isn’t a barrier—it’s a filter. It clears the noise so you can finally connect with people who are actually there. And that’s how you go from swiping to dating.

How to Get Verified on LoverSpot (The Fast Way)

You can get verified on LoverSpot in under a minute: open the app, take a clear, well-lit photo of your face, and we’ll check it against trusted identity databases. No masks, no filters—just real, face-to-face proof you’re who you say you are. Once approved, you’ll see a green checkmark and can start swiping with confidence. It’s how we keep the app safe and real—not just for you, but for everyone.

Why Verification Matters Now

With new age verification laws like Minnesota’s making onboarding harder for dating apps, we’re doubling down on trust from day one. It’s not about gatekeeping—it’s about stopping scams before they start. A 2023 report by the Federal Trade Commission noted that identity theft scams cost consumers over $10 billion in a single year, with dating apps a common entry point.

That’s why we built verification into the signup flow. It’s not just compliance—we want you to meet people who are real, too.

  1. Open the app and tap ‘Sign Up’. Don’t skip this step—your journey starts right here. We only need your email and a little time to verify you’re you.
  2. Take a clear, well-lit photo of your face—no masks, no filters. The better the image, the faster we can confirm your identity. A recent study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology found that photo quality directly impacts facial recognition accuracy.
  3. We’ll match it to known profiles and run a quick check—usually under 60 seconds. Our system checks against verified data sources in real time, without storing your image after approval. It’s fast, secure, and designed for privacy.
  4. If approved, you’ll get a green checkmark on your profile—start swiping with confidence. Now you’re officially verified. Your profile stands out as safe and genuine. For more on how this keeps everyone safer, read about our safety features.

What Happens Next?

You’re now ready to enjoy the full LoverSpot experience. Use your verified status to make real connections—with video calls, conversation starters, and date booking built right in. When you're ready to meet, plan your date at any of our curated venues across 84 cities, all vetted in person.

For even more perks, like priority matches and one free reschedule, check out Premium. But the best part? You don’t need it to get started. You just need to be you—verified, real, and ready to meet someone like you.

Download the app today and take that first step toward dates that actually happen: get started now.

What Happens If You’re Not Verified?

If you’re not verified on a dating app in Minnesota, you can’t send messages, see full profiles, or even match with others. Your profile stays invisible to everyone, and you’re stuck at a basic preview — it’s not a penalty, just a smart safety rule built into apps like LoverSpot to prevent fake accounts and scams, similar to how bars check IDs to keep things secure.

How Verification Keeps Things Safe

Minnesota’s age verification law is part of a growing trend to protect users — especially young adults — from interacting with unverified or potentially harmful profiles. Dating apps now require photo verification during signup, so you’re not just matching with a name and a bio. This helps block bots, catfishers, and anyone pretending to be someone they’re not.

It’s not about gatekeeping — it’s about trust. When you verify your identity, you’re not just proving you’re over 18; you’re saying, “I’m here to meet real people, not play games.” And when someone else verifies, you know you’re talking to a real person too. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference in reducing harassment and scams—something platforms like LoverSpot take seriously for your safety.

What You Can’t Do Without Verification

Without verified identity, your profile stays hidden. You can’t send opening moves, view others’ full photos, or even see their bios beyond a tease. No matches. No chats. Just a blank screen after the signup form.

Fear not — you’re not locked out forever. Once you complete verification (a quick selfie with your ID), you unlock everything instantly. The system is designed to be fast and fair, not punitive. It’s just a check, like showing ID at a bar or proving your age to buy alcohol.

And here’s the good news: LoverSpot uses photo verification at signup and never shares your ID with third parties. Your privacy is protected, even as you’re verified. For full transparency, you can learn more about how it all works here.

In practice, this means you can start dating with confidence. You aren’t just matching — you’re building real connections. And if you ever feel unsure, you can always check LoverSpot’s safety guidelines to see how the platform protects users every step of the way, from first glance to first date.

LoverSpot’s Safety Layer: Beyond Just Age Verification

You don’t just prove you’re of age on LoverSpot—you unlock real safety tools that make meeting people less risky and more human. From seeing each other face-to-face before the first meetup to booking your date at a vetted, public spot, every step is designed to remove friction and fear. It’s not just rules—it’s a trusted process that puts you in control.

See Them, Then Decide: Video Calls Without Pressure

  • After age verification, you gain instant access to in-app video calls—no need to trade numbers or jump to unclear platforms.
  • Both you and your match can hang up at any time, making it a safe, low-stakes way to test chemistry without obligation.
  • Video calls help you spot red flags early—like mismatched facial expressions or odd background noise—making it easier to walk away if something feels off.
  • Just as the FTC notes, video verification reduces scams by confirming identity in real time [FTC].

Book It, Don’t Worry: Vetting That Matters

  • When you’re ready to meet, use LoverSpot’s built-in date booking system at 84 cities’ hand-picked venues—each checked in person for safety and vibe.
  • There’s no back-and-forth about where to go, no awkward budget conversations. The app handles time, place, and table.
  • Every date has a one-time free reschedule and calendar sync, so real life doesn’t derail your plans.
  • These aren’t just places—they’re public spaces with staff, natural foot traffic, and real-time safety monitoring, reducing the risk of isolation or harm.
  • Learn how this works: See how it’s built for real-life dates.

It’s not about perfection—it’s about giving you what you need before you take the step: visibility, control, and peace of mind. You’re not rushing into something. You’re choosing it—with clear, proven steps that keep you safe and in charge.

Why This Matters Even If You’re Not in Minnesota

Even if you don’t live in Minnesota, laws like its age verification requirement for dating apps are shaping the future of digital onboarding. As more states consider similar rules, platforms that already prioritize identity verification aren’t just following laws—they’re staying ahead of the curve, protecting users and saving time.

States Are Watching—And Some Will Follow

Minnesota’s law isn’t an isolated case. It’s part of a growing trend across the U.S. to hold online platforms accountable for verifying user ages, especially when it comes to intimate or potentially vulnerable interactions. The Federal Trade Commission has long warned about the risks of underage users on dating platforms, and state-level action is likely to grow.

When one state leads, others often follow. If apps don’t adapt now, they risk being blocked or penalized later—especially in places where digital safety is a top priority. That’s why building verification into the core experience isn’t a burden. It’s a smart, proactive move.

Verification Isn’t Just Compliance—It’s Protection

Right now, some apps still rely on self-reported age or vague prompts. That’s like letting someone say they’re 25 when they’re 16. Not only does it hurt trust, it opens the door to scams, grooming, and fake profiles. Real identity validation, like photo verification at signup, is a standard safety practice used by platforms serious about user well-being.

Platforms that embed this kind of verification from day one aren’t just dodging legal risk—they’re creating better experiences. You’re less likely to waste time on bots or fake profiles. You’re more likely to meet real people who are who they say they are.

Think of it this way: an app that checks your identity before you swipe isn’t being paranoid. It’s being respectful of your time and safety. And that’s exactly what you should expect—especially when you’re trying to build real connections.

For example, LoverSpot uses photo verification at signup to reduce catfishing and ensure you’re connecting with real people. It’s not an extra step—it’s how trust begins. Learn how safety is built in from the start.

It’s not about restriction. It’s about clarity. In a world where digital footprints are permanent, choosing an app that protects your identity isn’t compliance—it’s confidence.

You’re Not Slower—You’re Safer

That extra minute onboarding with age verification isn’t a delay—it’s a filter. It cuts through fake profiles, bots, and scams before they ever meet your screen.

You’re not just signing up. You’re stepping into a space where trust starts at the beginning. With verified identities and real photos, every message feels meaningful, not wasted.

Real connections start with real people. Verified profiles mean real conversations. Real dates. Real chances.

Sources

  • 65% of Hinge users who tried a video date planned to keep using virtual dates as a low-pressure step before meeting in person. — Hinge (PR Newswire) (2021)

Keep reading

Ready to put this into practice? LoverSpot turns matches into real dates — photo-verified profiles, an in-app video call, and dates booked at curated venues — download LoverSpot free.

Frequently asked questions

Does Minnesota’s age verification law apply to all dating apps?

It applies to any app that enables interaction between users under 18 and others. That includes most dating platforms with public profiles or messaging.

Do I need to upload my ID to join LoverSpot?

No. We only require a clear photo of your face for verification—no ID documents or sensitive data are ever stored.

How long does age verification take on LoverSpot?

Most users are verified in under a minute. The system checks your photo against known patterns in real time.

Can I use a photo from my profile for verification?

Yes, but it must be a clear, recently taken shot. Blurry or outdated photos may delay verification.

What if my verification is denied?

You’ll receive a message explaining the issue. You can try again with a new photo or contact support for help.

Does verification mean I’m safe from scams?

It reduces risk significantly, but no system is perfect. Always trust your instincts and use in-app safety tools like video calls and the post-date check-in.

Do I need to re-verify if I move to another state?

No—once verified, your status stays active across all locations. Our platform is designed for nationwide use.

Can I still use LoverSpot without verification?

You can start, but you won’t be able to message others or book dates until verified. It’s a gateway to real connections, not just swiping.

How does LoverSpot protect my personal photo?

Your photo is only used for verification and never shared. We use secure encryption and never store it permanently.

Are there other safety features on LoverSpot?

Yes—real-time scam detection, one-tap blocking, human moderators 24/7, and a post-date check-in to ensure your safety.

Why should I care about age verification if I’m over 18?

It protects everyone—especially minors. It stops predators from posing as adults and ensures the community stays honest and safe.

Is LoverSpot the only app with photo verification?

No, but we’re one of the few that make it mandatory at signup and tie it directly to real-world safety features like in-app video calls and vetted date bookings.