Matchmaking App 'Yoitoki' Enhances Privacy by Introducing Screenshot and Screen Recording Prevention

The dating and matchmaking app 'Yoitoki,' operated by OLA PARTY JAPAN, has introduced a privacy protection feature that restricts screenshots and screen recordings on certain screens within the application.

This feature is designed to address concerns regarding profile information, photos, and message content being saved or shared without the user's consent.

According to materials from the 'Working Group on Life Design and Encounters for Young Generations' of the Children and Families Agency, matching apps are the most common way (25.1%) that married couples who wed in the last five years met. While 57% of married individuals have experience using matching apps, this figure is 27% for unmarried individuals. Online encounters are becoming an established way to meet for marriage or relationships.

Simultaneously, the importance of personal information protection in digital services is rising. The 'FY2024 Annual Report' by the Personal Information Protection Commission states that there were 19,056 cases of reported data leaks, with 14,198 reports made directly to the Commission and 4,858 reports made via delegated ministries.

Furthermore, the National Police Agency's report on 'Response to Stalking, Spousal Violence, and Child Abuse Cases in 2024' indicates that consultations regarding private sexual images reached a record high of 2,128 cases, an increase of 316 cases (17.4%) from the previous year. Of these, 1,047 cases (49.2%) involved current or former romantic partners. The risk of images or information shared within intimate relationships being handled against the individual's will is a significant challenge for online dating services.

Yoitoki surveyed 200 men and women with dating app experience or interest regarding their concerns about profile and conversation screen storage. The survey revealed: - 68.5% are anxious about profile photos or self-introductions being saved via screenshots. - 74.0% are resistant to message content being shared with third parties via screenshots or screen recordings. - 61.5% say they would feel less resistance to registering profiles or publishing photos if screenshot/screen recording prevention features were in place. - 72.5% feel anxious about information being saved and spread, despite needing profile info to get to know others. - 66.0% want to check privacy features before using the app.

The findings suggest that the ease of information disclosure in dating apps is linked not only to profile completeness but also to an environment that prevents unauthorized saving and sharing of information.

Yoitoki's prevention feature restricts terminal-based screen capture on: - Profile detail screens - Profile photo screens - Message screens - Other screens containing personal or communication data

This feature restricts capture based on OS and terminal specifications. Compatibility may vary by OS, device, and app version. It does not cover external photography or operations uncontrollable by OS specifications. Yoitoki operates this alongside reporting systems, terms of service enforcement, and disciplinary measures for violations.