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Photo: Bijoy Gosh

A commitment Better be safe than sorry

Flexibility, access to a huge database, multiple parameters to filter choices, and affordability … online matchmaking is making waves. And, websites that provide such services are growing at a whopping 100 per cent plus annually, a clear indication of the popularity of online matrimony.

But, along with the popularity came the cyber duping case of Liyakat Ali’s orchestrated online hunt. He became an IAS officer, IPS and an NRI on websites and lured women in Bangalore, Chennai and Mumbai.

Cyber security experts say ‘a cautious approach’ is the key to enjoying a happy online search for your life partner. “We have stepped up our security measures to ensure that it is a safe and trusted platform for people to interact and find their partner,” says Vibhas Mehta, Business Head of Shaadi.com which has a membership of 120 million. “We don’t let people see too many profiles unless they register,” he adds.

The registration involves providing details on your personality, family, profession, hobbies, likes and dislikes, and also writing a few lines about yourself. When a person is not serious, he doesn’t register. In case he registers, the profile goes live only after scrutiny by the 24x7 team. When the team finds any details contradictory, the profile is put on hold.

Murugavel Janakiraman, Founder & CEO, BharatMatrimony.com, agrees. “We have ‘veriprofile’, a paid service involving third party verification. We also have a patented reference feature that involves getting comments from references to know more about the person. The requests can be open or anonymous,” he adds.

The problem arises when someone believes a person without knowing him too well. “One guy in Bangalore used to send random messages to girls on matrimonial websites. He would request a meeting to understand better and con them. He cheated 12 girls of their money,” says J. Prasanna, cyber security consultant for law enforcement agencies.

In most cases, it is working women who become easy victims because they directly communicate with prospective alliances. The smart thing to do is restrict information to education, religion and physical attributes.

There have also been cases of stalking and girls receiving vulgar SMSs, says K. Srinivasan, co-founder of Cyber Society of India. “ Educating people on using the Net is important,” he insists.

It has nothing to do with the medium, says Vibhas. “Duping cases have been reported in offline media too. We use our best security systems to prevent such happenings. But, the common sense of the individuals plays a bigger role, because it is individuals who decide to share information,” he adds.

As M. Sudhakar, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Cyber Crime Cell, Chennai City, puts it: “Do not share phone numbers, photographs and financial information. Use general intelligence to decide.”

The solution is to strike a balance between providing personal information and protecting one’s security.

But, the success stories far outnumber such cases. “We have had eight lakh weddings so far through our website,” says Vibhas.

Murugavel says it is yet another medium to find eligible people. “I found my life partner in Gujarat, and there have been cases where people living in nearby streets have found each other on our website. Once you narrow down your search, follow the guidelines as in an offline set-up,” says this entrepreneur, whose website receives 8,000 profile registrations on a single day.

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