The Australian government announced on Tuesday that a code of conduct will be enforced on the online dating industry to better protect Australian users. Research has found that three-in-four people have experienced some form of sexual violence through dating platforms. Major companies like Bumble, Grindr, and Match Group Inc. have agreed to the code, which aims to detect potential incidents of harm and terminate the accounts of offenders. Complaint and reporting mechanisms will be made transparent, and a new rating system will show how platforms are meeting their obligations under the code.
The need for a code of conduct was identified last year after research by the Australian Institute of Criminology revealed the high prevalence of sexual violence on dating apps and websites. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland emphasized the importance of having a complaint-handling process and mentioned that individuals banned from one platform should be blocked from all platforms. Match Group has already implemented new safety features on Tinder, such as photo and identification verification, to prevent bad actors from accessing the platform. The company is committed to working with the government and industry to improve safety for Australian users.
Bumble, another major dating platform, expressed support for the government’s efforts to eliminate gender-based violence and highlighted its focus on creating a safer dating experience. The platform emphasizes putting women’s experiences at the center of its mission and is dedicated to ensuring all relationships are healthy and equitable. Grindr also acknowledged its commitment to online safety and was honored to participate in developing the code. Not all dating platforms have signed up to the code, but the government expects it to help users make informed choices about which apps provide a safe dating environment.
The platforms that have not yet signed up to the code of conduct include Happn, Coffee Meets Bagel, and Feeld. The government is hopeful that the code will enable Australians to choose dating apps that prioritize user safety. It has also warned the industry that legislative action may be taken if operators fail to protect Australians on their platforms. Overall, the enforcement of the code of conduct is a significant step towards making online dating safer for Australians and addressing the issue of sexual violence on dating platforms. The collaboration between government, industry, and major companies will play a crucial role in creating a more secure online dating environment.
