Mark Zuckerberg is launching a new dating Facebook feature targeted at the 200 million people on the site who list themselves as single.
The Independent reports that the new platform will allow users to connect with people outside of their friends list, by having a separate Facebook romantic profile to the usual friends account.
Mr Zuckerberg, CEO of the social media site, said: “This is going to be building real, long-term relationships - not just for hook-ups.”
“We have designed this with privacy and safety in mind from the beginning. Your friends aren’t going to see your profile, and you’re only going to be suggested to people who are not your friends.”
Facebook’s new dating venture has received some light-hearted competitiveness from the dating app field like IAC, which includes platforms such as OKCupid and Tinder.
Joey Levin, CEO of IAC, said: “Come on in. The water’s warm. Their product could be great for US-Russia relationships.”
Facebook will use a unique algorithm to match you with potential dates, based on “dating preferences, things in common, and mutual friends”. You will also be able to find romantic interests via shared Groups and Events, according to Wired.
The feature will be opt-in and will be supported through the Facebook app and will deliver a strong privacy and safety protections for its users.
