Why Aren't ID Proofs Made Compulsory by Indian Matrimonial Sites? The Trade-offs and Challenges

Indian matrimonial sites have carefully navigated the balance between user trust and privacy, often opting not to mandate ID proofs. This choice reflects a nuanced understanding of the Indian social and digital landscape where user participation and trust are paramount. While the absence of compulsory ID verification might raise concerns about authenticity and security, it also serves to encourage a higher level of user engagement, a critical component for many of these sites.

Why Mandatory ID Proofs Would Deter Users

One prevalent concern is the potential decrease in user participation if ID proofs were mandatory. Matrimonial sites are a significant part of the dating and matrimonial market in India, with companies like Shaadi and BharatMatrimony having a substantial user base. Imposing ID proof requirements could lead to fewer users sharing their personal details, drastically impacting the service's perceived value for many. As one user points out, 'There are only a handful of such sites in the whole world; a huge market so they decide the rules.' This may sound harsh, but it underscores the critical role that participation and user engagement play in the success of these services.

Moreover, many of these sites do not have even the most basic filters or interfaces to facilitate easy and user-friendly ID proof submission and verification. As such, mandating ID proofs might seem impractical given the current technical and operational constraints. While some startups have attempted to address the issue with mechanisms like facial recognition and document verification, the overall effectiveness of these solutions remains questionable.

Users Often Trust Their Own Authenticity

Another significant factor in the reluctance to mandate ID proofs is the common belief that users themselves are genuine. Many conversations on matrimonial platforms begin with initial exchanges of messages. These exchanges can prove intimidating for users who may not be skilled in conversation or might find it challenging to maintain a genuine demeanor. It is relatively simple to misconstrue the intentions of others through these initial interactions, leading users to believe that the other party might be fake. This lack of trust often results in increased pressure on matrimonial sites to provide more verification mechanisms, but user reluctance to voluntarily submit ID proofs remains high.

Even with ID proofs, the authenticity of a potential match is not guaranteed. It has been noted that, as in the case of a woman from India and a man from the US, verifying documents alone is insufficient to completely understand someone's intent. While such a story serves as a cautionary tale, it is important to recognize that document verification only addresses a portion of the issues related to trust and intent.

Challenges in Implementing ID Proof Verification

The Indian digital ecosystem is far from perfect, with the issue of lack of a centralized ID verification system being a key challenge. For example, while Aadhaar is a widely recognized ID in India, its lack of 100% penetration and the absence of a centralized database pose significant obstacles. Furthermore, the ease with which photocopied or fake documents can be created and submitted adds to the difficulty of verifying genuine ID proofs.

Many users simply do not have the necessary ID proof or may not wish to share it. In a country with diverse geographical and socio-economic conditions, not everyone possesses an Aadhaar card. This further complicates the mandate of ID proofs on matrimonial sites. Additionally, the absence of robust verification processes leaves room for suspicion and mistrust, which can be detrimental to the overall user experience.

Conclusion

While the idea of mandating ID proofs for user verification on Indian matrimonial sites is tempting, it must be cautiously considered given the current realities of user engagement, trust, and the technical challenges of verification. The key to maintaining authenticity and safety within these platforms lies in a multi-layered approach that includes thorough profile moderation, robust security measures, and user-friendly interfaces. Rather than a one-size-fits-all solution, a dynamic and flexible approach to user verification may be more effective in fostering trust and engagement among users of matrimonial sites.