"AI Mask Feature" Released | Addressing the "Photo Privacy Concerns" of Nearly Half of Female Users on Matching Apps

OLAPARTY JAPAN Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo) has introduced a new feature, the "AI Mask Function," to its matching app "Yoitoki," aiming to enhance user privacy protection and reduce psychological burden amidst growing attention to the risks associated with matching apps. This feature applies an AI-powered automatic mask to profile photos, gradually revealing the original photo only to users who have granted permission. It serves as a solution to the societal issue of "privacy concerns regarding profile photo disclosure," highlighted in a prior internal survey (N=500), thereby providing a safer and more sincere platform for online communication.

■ Background of Development: Privacy Concerns Regarding "Photo Disclosure"

While online dating has become commonplace, concerns about the privacy risks associated with users publicly displaying their profile photos to an unspecified number of people remain a challenge. According to a survey conducted by "Yoitoki" among 500 single women aged 20-34 nationwide, 48% responded that they have "given up on uploading profile photos due to privacy concerns." The specific anxieties regarding photo disclosure revealed the following realities:

1. Concern about being seen by acquaintances or colleagues (risk of being identified): 62%

2. Concern about inappropriate comments or harassment: 21%

3. Risk of leakage or unauthorized use of matching app profile photos: 17%

Furthermore, 71% of respondents stated, "I want to use the app with more peace of mind if there are privacy protection features," indicating a strong demand for mechanisms that allow users to safely control their information in online encounters, reflecting a psychological tendency for women to conceal their faces.

■ Overview of the New "AI Mask" Feature

In response to user feedback, "Yoitoki" has developed and introduced the "AI Mask Function" to improve privacy protection and psychological safety. This feature employs a system that gradually discloses information based on user consent.

＜AI Mask Function Usage Flow＞

AI Automatic Masking: When a user uploads a profile photo, selecting "AI Mask" automatically applies a mask to the facial area.

Anonymous Interaction with Privacy Protection: In the initial stage, other users will only see the masked photo. This minimizes the risk of exposure to acquaintances or colleagues, allowing communication to begin in a privacy-protected state.

Consent-Based Information Disclosure (Revealing True Face): When a user sends a "like" to a specific person, or in other situations where consent is given, the original photo (true face) is revealed only to those individuals the user has shown interest in.

■ Expected Effects and Future Prospects

In an internal survey conducted during the trial introduction, approximately 80% of female users responded, "The introduction of the AI Mask Function allows me to upload photos with peace of mind."

Unlike traditional methods where photos are exposed to an unspecified number of people, this feature prevents "unintentional disclosure of information to third parties" and is expected to promote sincere communication that emphasizes values and mutual understanding, rather than being solely based on appearance.

"Yoitoki" will continue to strive to expand its services and build an environment that prioritizes privacy protection, enabling users to enjoy online encounters with "safety and security."

Survey Overview

Theme: Concerns and privacy awareness regarding profile photo disclosure in matching app usage among women

Survey Region: Nationwide

Survey Target: Single women aged 20-34

Survey Method: In-house survey using an online survey panel operated by Yoitoki

Sample Size: 500

Survey Period: 2026

Note: This survey was independently conducted by Yoitoki and is not data from an external organization.

* The percentage values in this release may not sum to 100% due to rounding.

About Yoitoki

Yoitoki, with its core values of "genuinely meeting people" and "sincere encounters," is a new form of dating and matchmaking service that continues to evolve with AI-powered compatibility analysis.

It focuses not just on increasing the "number of encounters" but on the quality of those encounters, providing a safe and secure interaction experience.

With the newly introduced AI Mask Function, women can hide their faces when uploading photos and reveal their true faces only to those they show interest in. This lowers psychological barriers, allowing users to enjoy romance safely and securely.

Furthermore, to enhance user safety and satisfaction, the following features are also available:

• Concierge support for dates
• Advanced privacy controls
• Enhanced security design

Designed not for "meeting many people," but for "safely meeting the best one."

Yoitoki, including its AI Mask Function, supports privacy, safety, and trust in modern romance and encounters through its unique design.

Service Overview

Service Name: Yoitoki

Launch Date: 2024

Experience on the Official Website: https://yoitoki.jp/

Supported Languages: Japanese / English / Korean / Traditional Chinese / Simplified Chinese / Vietnamese

Official SNS

Official Website: https://yoitoki.jp/ja

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yoitoki.official/

X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/yoitoki_jp

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yoitoki.jp