Bluesky introduces a new 'privacy-first' contact import feature that allows users to find friends only if both parties opt-in, verify their phone numbers, and consent to sharing contact data, which is stored securely and can be deleted at any time, initially available in select countries.
Bumble is testing a separate app called Bumble For Friends in select markets, including the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines, to help people find friends. The app is expected to be released in the US later this year. Bumble For Friends is free to use, but it also has premium subscriptions and in-app purchases. The app is aimed at people who are looking for friend-finding without being on a dating app. BFF mode represents 15% of the main app's monthly active users.