The dating app Bumble has begun a pilot test of an emergency "SOS" one-touch button users can hit to call the police in the case of an encounter that turns violent, the Israeli digital experience analysis startup Watchful reported Sunday.
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According to Watchful, the button has already been integrated into Bumble's system and is being tested by users in the US, with a direct link to 911 services. In the next few months, the service is expected to expand to additional US-based users, and possibly users in other countries, including Israel, depending on the results of the pilot.
Watchful business analyst Arthur Szwarc said that expanding the availability of the SOS button is important for both women and men who use dating apps, and that even the knowledge that the feature exists will reduce attacks and harassment during dates.
Watchful, which provides analysis of digital experiences worldwide, was founded three years ago by CEO Itay Kahana and CTO Yoav Gaziel and thus far as raised $12 million from Israeli and foreign investors.
