As governments across the world restricted the movements of their citizens during Covid lockdowns from 2020, people spent more time online. We bought more online and socialised more online, and this brought us closer to the people who want to scam us. At the same time, realistic video impersonations, voices, websites, and texts became more commonplace, and scammers increased their use of social media including WhatsApp.

Your next date could be AI-verified. Tinder is one of several companies working with World, formerly known as Worldcoin, to let users prove they are human and not robots with the help of eye-scanning technology.

With the increased availability of AI, bad actors have begun using the technology to fuel romance scams across platforms, including dating apps. Tinder warns that romance scammers are often professionals, noting such schemes netted more than $300 million in 2020. 

The company outlines common red flags, including quickly pushing conversations off the app, appearing too good to be true or engaging in “lovebombing,” avoiding in-person meetings, or requesting personal or financial information.

REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATIC SENATORS DEMAND ANSWERS FROM TINDER PARENT COMPANY OVER ROMANCE SCAM CONCERNS

World ID verification allows users to prove that they are human.

“World is bringing proof of human into the platforms where people spend their time. From dating to live events to gaming, World ID is becoming the trust layer underpinning the experiences that matter most,” the company wrote in a blog post.

In response to a request for comment, World referred Fox Business to materials on its website.

World said in a blog post that it first teamed up with Match Group, Tinder’s parent company, to launch a pilot of its World ID technology in Japan. Daters in the U.S. and Japan will soon be able to use “privacy-preserving” verification to ensure they are meeting Mr. Right, not Mr. Robot.

“At Tinder, helping our community feel safe and confident in every connection has always been at the heart of what we do … Partnering with World ID is a natural next step in that commitment, giving our users a powerful, privacy-preserving way to help know the person on the other end is real,” Senior Vice President of Trust & Safety at Match Group Yoel Roth said in a statement.

SWIPE WITH CONFIDENCE: BUMBLE DATING APP INTEGRATES AI TO COMBAT CATFISHING

Tinder is incorporating technology that will allow users to prove that they are human. (Hispanolistic via Getty Images / Getty Images)

World is part of Tools for Humanity, a start-up co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. The company’s verification technology includes a spherical device known as “the Orb,” which uses temporary memory when “verifying humanness,” which it does not store, according to Tools for Humanity. There is also a mobile app that allows access to World and World ID.

Users can verify themselves with an Orb device and then receive a badge to show there’s a real person on the other side of the screen. World says the verification will allow users to “stand out” with their badge, leading to an “increase in higher-quality connections.” Additionally, the company said that, for a limited time, users with a badge will receive five free “Boosts,” an app feature that pushes their profile to other users.

Following a request for comment, Tinder directed Fox Business to World’s blog post on the partnership.

ONLINE DATING HAS UNEXPECTED INFLUENCE ON WEALTH GAPS, RESEARCH PAPER FINDS

Tinder is implementing technology that will allow users to prove that they’re human. (Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Other companies that have signed on with World to use its “proof of human” technology include Zoom, Docusign, Shopify and Coinbase, among others.

In response to a request for comment, Zoom also referred Fox Business to its press release on the partnership.

Zoom announced its partnership with Tools for Humanity on Friday, saying the verification system could help reduce the risk of “impersonation-driven fraud,” something that has become a concern with the rise and improvement of AI.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

The partnerships signal a broader push by companies to use the same technology exploited by bad actors to try to stop scams before they begin.

INDIO, Calif. — Madonna made a triumphant return to the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on Friday night, joining headliner Sabrina Carpenter for a show-stopping surprise appearance that blended pop generations and delivered one of the festival’s most unforgettable moments in recent years.

The Queen of Pop, 67, emerged midway through Carpenter’s headlining set on the main Coachella Stage during Weekend Two, turning the 27-year-old singer’s performance into a full-circle celebration exactly 20 years after Madonna’s own Coachella debut. The pair performed “Vogue,” a live debut of a new collaboration widely believed to be from Madonna’s upcoming album “Confessions II,” and the iconic “Like a Prayer,” sending the desert crowd into a frenzy.

Carpenter was performing her hit “Juno” when the surprise unfolded. As she hit the lyric “Have you ever tried this one?” — a moment fans know from her “Short n’ Sweet” tour for celebrity cameos — the track seamlessly transitioned into the pulsing beat of “Vogue.” Madonna rose through the center of the stage in a striking lavender one-piece ensemble, complete with the same purple boots she wore during her 2006 Coachella appearance promoting “Confessions on a Dance Floor.”

The duo launched into a high-energy rendition of the 1990 classic, with Carpenter matching Madonna’s sharp choreography and commanding stage presence. They followed with what appeared to be the live debut of “Bring Your Love,” a new track expected on Madonna’s long-awaited sequel album, set for release July 3 via Warner Records. Madonna then delivered an extended spoken-word moment, pulling the mic for an astrology-infused address about unity through music.

“So 20 years ago today I performed at Coachella,” Madonna told the roaring crowd. “I was in the dance tent and it was the first time I performed ‘Confessions on a Dance Floor Pt. 1’ in America, and that was such a thrill for me. So you can imagine what a thrill it is to be back 20 years later in the same boots.” She added a playful note about performing with someone shorter than her for the first time.

The set culminated with a powerful duet of “Like a Prayer,” featuring backup dancers in habits descending the stage in a theatrical display. Madonna emphasized themes of togetherness: “The great thing about music is that it brings people together… Put their shit down and everyone just have a good time together.” She even slipped in an a cappella snippet of “Get Together” before wrapping the segment.

Generational Handover in the Desert

The collaboration represented a symbolic passing of the torch between two eras of pop dominance. Carpenter, riding high from her chart-topping “Short n’ Sweet” era and recent Coachella Weekend One headlining slot, has openly cited Madonna as an influence. She previously covered “Material Girl” on tour, adding another layer to the surprise.

Fans and critics hailed the moment as a masterclass in pop spectacle. Social media exploded instantly with clips of the performance racking up millions of views within hours. “Pop culture reset,” one observer posted, capturing the widespread sentiment that the pairing bridged generations in real time.

Carpenter, visibly thrilled, responded warmly after the segment. Madonna thanked her young collaborator for the invitation, while Carpenter expressed gratitude for the legend’s presence. The interaction highlighted mutual respect, with Carpenter’s playful, cinematic set providing the perfect backdrop for Madonna’s dramatic return.

Coachella Context and Festival Impact

Sabrina Carpenter’s Weekend Two set largely mirrored her Weekend One performance but extended slightly longer to accommodate the special guest. Earlier in the night, she incorporated other celebrity bits, including Geena Davis in a “Thelma & Louise” themed segment, maintaining her signature blend of humor, theatrics and sharp pop songcraft.

Madonna’s appearance marked her first Coachella performance since 2006, when she played the Sahara Tent, and a return after a 2015 surprise with Drake. The timing aligned perfectly with promotional buzz for “Confessions II,” her first full-length album in seven years, produced again with Stuart Price. Earlier Friday, she had premiered another new track, “I Feel So Free,” on iHeartRadio’s Pride Radio.

Festival organizers and attendees praised the unannounced moment as a highlight of Weekend Two’s opening night. While Coachella has a history of major surprises, few have carried the cultural weight of this intergenerational duet. The Empire Polo Club crowd, already energized by Carpenter’s set, erupted into sustained cheers that echoed across the desert grounds.

Reactions and Viral Reach

The performance dominated social platforms overnight. Clips of Madonna’s entrance and the “Vogue” choreography spread rapidly, with fans praising both artists’ chemistry and vocal delivery. Industry insiders noted the strategic brilliance: Carpenter gains legendary credibility while Madonna taps into a younger audience eager for her new music.

Critics described the segment as transcendent, blending high fashion, sharp dance moves and emotional resonance. Madonna’s speech about music’s power to unite felt especially poignant amid broader cultural conversations. Carpenter closed her set solo with hits like “Espresso” and “Goodbye,” ending on a high note after the unforgettable collaboration.

What It Means for Both Artists

For Sabrina Carpenter, the moment caps a meteoric rise. From opening for Taylor Swift to headlining Coachella and now sharing the stage with Madonna, she has solidified her status as pop’s current princess. The collaboration is expected to boost streams of her catalog and generate even more anticipation for future projects.

For Madonna, it reignites excitement around “Confessions II.” The album’s themes of dance, freedom and introspection appear to continue the legacy of her groundbreaking 2005 release. Her willingness to embrace surprise appearances and cross-generational partnerships demonstrates her enduring relevance in an ever-changing industry.

As videos continue circulating and fans dissect every detail — from the coordinated outfits to the emotional weight of the 20-year anniversary — the performance is already being called one of Coachella 2026’s defining moments. It served as a reminder of music’s ability to create shared experiences that transcend age, era and expectation.

In the California desert under Friday night’s lights, two pop icons proved that legends don’t just perform — they pass the energy forward, creating new memories for thousands while honoring the past. Whether this sparks further collaborations or simply stands as a singular magical night, Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter delivered pure pop magic at Coachella.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz flared dramatically on Saturday as Iran reimposed strict control over the vital shipping chokepoint and Revolutionary Guard gunboats fired on a tanker, hours after briefly reopening the waterway amid a fragile regional ceasefire.

The reversal came after U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the American naval blockade of Iranian ports would remain in place, prompting Tehran to declare the strait back under “strict management” by its armed forces. Shipping traffic, already severely reduced since late February, faced fresh uncertainty with reports of vessels turning back and at least one tanker coming under fire.

The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20% of global oil passes daily in normal times, has become the central flashpoint in the broader U.S.-Iran conflict that erupted in late February. Saturday’s developments sent fresh jitters through energy markets even as diplomats in Pakistan pursue longer-term talks.

Rapid Reversal on Reopening

On Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced the strait was “completely open” to commercial vessels for the remainder of a 10-day ceasefire tied to the Israel-Hezbollah truce in Lebanon. Oil prices dropped sharply on the news, with some benchmarks falling nearly 10%. President Trump responded on Truth Social, calling it “good news” while insisting the U.S. blockade targeting Iranian ports and vessels would stay “in full force” until a comprehensive deal is reached.

By Saturday morning, Iran’s military command, Khatam al-Anbiya, declared the situation had “reverted to its previous state.” The statement accused the U.S. of “piracy” and “repeated breaches of trust,” saying passage would now require Iranian approval and remain tightly controlled until Washington lifts restrictions on Iranian shipping.

A limited convoy of about eight tankers was observed transiting earlier in the day, but many other vessels approached the area and turned back, according to marine tracking data. Shipping companies said they were seeking urgent clarifications on mines, permissions and safe routes.

Gunboat Incident Heightens Risks

In a major escalation, two Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) gunboats opened fire on a tanker attempting to pass through the strait, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported. The captain described the vessels approaching without radio warning before firing shots. The tanker and crew were reported safe, but the incident underscored the volatile conditions for merchant shipping.

The UKMTO issued an advisory urging extreme caution in the area. No injuries or major damage were immediately confirmed, but the event risks deterring insurers and ship owners already wary after weeks of disruptions.

Broader Context of the Crisis

The current standoff traces to late February when U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran triggered Tehran to sharply restrict traffic through the strait. Shipping volumes plummeted more than 95%, with only a fraction of normal daily transits recorded. Iran implemented a selective, permission-based system, rerouting some vessels closer to its waters.

U.S. Central Command has maintained that its blockade targets only Iran-linked shipping while preserving freedom of navigation for others. However, the practical effect has been widespread caution among operators. Analysts estimate billions in lost trade and higher energy costs worldwide.

The brief reopening Friday aligned with a fragile Lebanon ceasefire, one of Tehran’s key demands. Yet mutual distrust quickly undermined the gesture. Iran insists on full lifting of the U.S. blockade; Washington demands broader concessions, including on Iran’s nuclear program.

Impact on Global Energy and Markets

Oil prices, which surged during the initial closure, remain elevated despite Friday’s dip. Brent crude settled around $90 per barrel after the reopening news, still well above pre-crisis levels. Energy analysts warn that prolonged uncertainty could push prices higher if alternative routes via pipelines or绕道 shipping prove insufficient.

Major importers like China, India, Japan and Europe, heavily reliant on Gulf crude, face supply risks. Asian refiners have scrambled for alternative cargoes, while insurance premiums for vessels in the region have skyrocketed.

Diplomatic Efforts and Regional Fallout

Talks continue in Pakistan between U.S. and Iranian officials, with both sides signaling openness to a broader deal. Trump has described the situation as containing “a lot of good things” happening, while Iranian officials demand concrete steps on sanctions and blockade relief.

Neighboring Gulf states, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, have quietly urged de-escalation, concerned about spillover into their own waters and shipping lanes. Oman, which borders the strait, has offered to facilitate safe passage on its side of the waterway.

The IRGC has also released new maritime maps designating restricted zones and approved routes, effectively asserting greater control and requiring tolls or permissions in some cases.

What Happens Next

With the 10-day Lebanon ceasefire window ticking down, pressure is mounting for a breakthrough. Shipping firms say they need clear guarantees on safety, mines and rules of engagement before resuming normal operations. Many continue to reroute via longer paths around Africa, adding significant time and cost.

Military analysts note that while full closure remains unlikely due to international backlash, Iran’s ability to harass traffic gives it leverage. The U.S. Navy maintains a strong presence in the area to deter major disruptions.

For global trade, the events of April 18 highlight the strait’s enduring vulnerability. Even temporary reopenings followed by swift reversals create volatility that ripples through economies far beyond the Middle East.

As night fell over the Persian Gulf on Saturday, marine tracking showed continued cautious movement with many vessels holding position. Diplomats, shipping executives and energy traders will watch the coming hours closely for any further statements from Tehran or Washington that could either calm or inflame the situation.

The Strait of Hormuz has once again proven it remains one of the world’s most dangerous and consequential maritime chokepoints, where military posturing, economic stakes and fragile ceasefires collide with potentially global consequences.