eHarmony Enhances User Privacy with Twilio Integration

Technology Category

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) - Private Cloud
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) - Virtual Private Cloud

Applicable Industries

Telecommunications

Use Cases

Time Sensitive Networking
Usage-Based Insurance

Services

System Integration

The Challenge

eHarmony, an online dating site, was faced with the challenge of enabling its users to connect over the phone while keeping their personal phone numbers anonymous. The company had previously introduced a private calling solution, but it was found to be difficult to use by subscribers. Users had to initiate phone calls to their matches using their computers, a process that was deemed cumbersome. eHarmony was therefore tasked with finding a calling solution that would provide a better customer experience, while maintaining the privacy and security of its users.

About The Customer

eHarmony is an online dating site founded in 2000 and headquartered in Santa Monica, California. The platform is designed to connect men and women who are looking for long-term relationships. eHarmony operates in over 150 countries, making it a global leader in the online dating industry. The company is committed to providing a secure and user-friendly platform for its subscribers, and is constantly seeking innovative solutions to enhance the user experience and maintain the privacy and security of its users.

The Solution

eHarmony decided to implement Twilio's anonymous calling solution, Secure Call, to address this challenge. Twilio's technology was chosen due to its robustness, reliability, and the maturity of its APIs. The implementation process was straightforward, with a single developer able to create a working prototype in just a few hours. A team of four developers then completed the full integration of Twilio and the new Secure Call feature within 30 days. The Secure Call feature assigns a private, virtual phone number to users, which is linked to their personal number. This allows users to connect with their matches without revealing their personal phone numbers, enhancing their privacy and security.

Operational Impact

The implementation of Twilio's Secure Call feature significantly improved the user experience on eHarmony's platform. Users can now easily connect with their matches over the phone without revealing their personal phone numbers, providing them with greater control and anonymity. The Secure Call feature has been prominently featured on the platform's redesigned profiles, contributing to a doubling in its usage since the update. Looking ahead, eHarmony plans to add Secure Call to its mobile platform, along with secure text messaging, to further enhance real-time interaction between users.

Quantitative Benefit

The integration of Twilio was completed in just 30 days
The implementation of the Secure Call feature was managed by a team of only 4 developers
The use of Secure Call doubled following the implementation of the Twilio solution