People using data apps such as Tinder and Hinge may soon be getting blue ticks to show potential partners they have been vaccinated against Covid, it is claimed.
Government insiders are said to be keen to work with online matchmakers to encourage young people to take their jab when they are invited.
It has been suggested that users who have been vaccinated could get a banner on their profile or a tick to signal that they have had it done.
According to The Telegraph, officials believe the move will tackle hesitancy among younger Brits - although it is not yet clear if the sites will agree.
A source told the newspaper: "As we get to younger people, Tinder and all those apps will be approached to flag the importance of getting vaccinated. It might also give more people impetus to meet up and find love.
"This is being properly looked at."
The insider said it was an "ongoing conversation", but it will be a decision for the platform.
If the "blue tick" plan does not go ahead, it is possible that the government could plough cash into advertising on the dating apps.
Tinder, Hinge and Bumble - believed to the sites the government is keen to work with - have yet to comment on the reports.
Users will not be required to show proof that they have been vaccinated, but officials believe it would be a way of promoting the jab, The Telegraph reports.
Currently people aged 36 or over are eligible to be vaccinated, but it is not yet known what the take-up rate will be among younger people, who are less at risk of serious illness from Covid-19.
The government says all adults will be offered their first vaccine by the end of July.
Yesterday Health Secretary Matt Hancock said it was up to the public to prevent the Indian variant from blocking the country's progress against coronavirus.
He told a Downing Street press briefing: "This is on all of us again. We are masters of our fate.
"By taking the test in one of these areas (where there is surge testing), by coming forward and getting vaccinated, by behaving with caution - and we all know the things we need to do, especially outside is safer than inside, wearing masks - we can get this under control.
"But, again, it is something for us to do as a community, and in particular in the areas where we are seeing a faster rise."
