THE AMERICAN REPORTER - Marshmallo is a new dating app that prioritizes user safety and security. Users' identities are verified using a program called Persona to prevent catfishing. Furthermore, the app requires users to provide a government-issued photo ID and a selfie for verification. This process is similar to the verification processes used by banks. Additionally, Marshmallo analyzes ~700K names across ~300 databases to ensure users are not sex offenders or criminals. Messaging is also controlled, with users only allowed to send a message once unless it is reciprocated. To further protect user privacy, only first initials are shared until a match is confirmed.