Users of the Atraf datingwebsite recently discovered they cannot participate in online chat rooms without uploading their photo. Access to other areas of site remains open to anonymous users.
Ynet was recently approach by Y., a subscriber to the site, who complained that the new requirement is an affront to his right for privacy as a homosexual man.
Atraf spokesperson said in response that for the past two years the site had been validating photos uploaded by users, making sure no fake photos were used. He continued to say that photos coulc be marked "private" thus maintaining the anonymity of users. All photos are visible to the site's operators.
So, what is the reason for this requirement? The site's manager, Eyal Haber, says a photo will prevent users from abusing their anonymity and potential to hurt other users.
"We believe that verified users will think twice about what they say. This will make the atmosphere in the chat room more pleasant and add to the reliability of the entire site," he adds.
"As a social network we attribute great importance to the fact that real photos accompany users' profiles. The photo is not visible to the site's users and the only use we make of it is to validate the person's identity. Our team is obligated to keeping this information secret."