Hello fellow cuddlers! I’ve had some thoughts on how to potentially create an ultra-safe, welcoming space for people seeking platonic cuddling by adding optional verification, transparency, and in‑site communication tools that help members make informed choices. I’m not a moderator or anything, just a user who would like to offer up my ideas and at the very least, encourage thought-provoking discussion around the topic of safety, even if my ideas are not all practically feasible. I’m just a girl with a business degree ☺️
Key Safety Feature Ideas
• Identity Verification Blue Check
Offer an optional one‑time flat fee for identity verification that issues a blue check. Verification requires a real government ID photo matched to a real‑time selfie or short live video with a site moderator. Verified profiles receive a visible blue badge so members without profile photos can still show they are real and visually age‑appropriate.
• Enhanced Background Check Option
Offer a separate, optional paid service for a background check limited to publicly available records (arrests, convictions, especially violent or sexual offenses). Make clear this is an optional safety layer and that checks are performed by a reputable third‑party provider.
• Credit Check Option for Financial‑Motive Screening
Offer an optional credit‑check service (with user consent) to flag potential financial stress that might indicate a motive for scams. Explain this is optional, consent‑based, and used only to inform safety decisions.
• Combined Verification Green Check
Provide a green check for members who complete both identity verification and the background check. Offer bundled pricing so the combined process is attractive.
• In‑Site Video Chat for All Members
Enable secure, site‑hosted video chat so members can meet virtually before meeting in person. Make video chat logs inaccessible to other members and subject to the same privacy rules as other media.
• Report Count Transparency
Display a simple report count on profiles (number of times reported, with no identifying details) so members can quickly see if someone has been flagged repeatedly. Not all reports indicate guilt, but repeated reports are a useful signal.
Privacy, Moderation, and Consent
• Moderator Privacy Commitment
Moderators who handle verification or live checks must be contractually prohibited from sharing or disclosing members’ photos, videos, or documents. Store verification media securely and delete it after verification unless the user explicitly consents to longer retention.
• Clear Consent and Disclosure
Require explicit, informed consent for any background or credit checks. Show exactly what will be checked, how results are used, and how long records are retained.
• Third‑Party Providers and Compliance
Use reputable third‑party vendors for background and credit checks and ensure compliance with applicable laws and consumer protections. Present vendor names and links in the verification flow so members can review policies.
• Appeals and Correction Process
Provide a clear process for members to dispute or appeal results, remove incorrect flags, and request deletion of verification media where legally allowed.
Pricing and Sustainability
• Optional Fees to Offset Costs
Charge a modest, optional flat fee for the blue check and a separate fee for background/credit checks. Offer a discounted bundle for both checks. Use revenue to cover verification costs and to fund moderation and safety initiatives.
• Free Alternatives
Keep basic membership free and allow members to still use the site without verification. Emphasize that checks are optional but recommended for those who plan to meet in person.
Why These Changes Could Help
• Reduce Catfishing and Misrepresentation
Visual ID checks and live verification make it much harder to impersonate someone or misrepresent age.
• Give Members More Information
Optional background and credit checks provide additional context so members can make safer decisions about meeting in person.
• Encourage Safer Meetups
In‑site video chat and transparent reporting reduce the need to exchange personal contact details before trust is established.
Please keep responses positive and focused on safety improvements only. I’m extremely sensitive and hope this will feel like a safe space for respectful discourse.
P.S. An idea for users who still do not feel comfortable meeting one on one and in person. Maybe Cuddle Comfort could offer its own meet and greet type events with verified users and no personally identifiable user information shared, other than maybe name tags with our user names? Just a thought! If you made it this far, thanks for reading!
When edited for clarity, my poll disappeared so I apologize to previous voters. I’ll repost the poll and not edit again to avoid this going forward 🙂