Online dating app companies have adopted a new industry code aimed at improving safety for Australians. This world-leading code was created in response to the National Roundtable on Online Dating Safety convened by the government last year.
The code was developed by an industry working group consisting of major companies including Match Group, Bumble, Grindr, Spark Networks, RSVP, and the ParshipMeet Group. These companies have agreed to implement the code, which includes several key measures:
- Implementing systems to detect potential incidents of online-enabled harm.
- Taking action against end-users who violate online safety policies, including account termination across all services operated by the company.
- Establishing prominent, clear, and transparent complaint and reporting mechanisms.
- Providing support resources for Australian users regarding safe dating practices and online-enabled harms.
- Publishing regular transparency reports detailing the number of Australian accounts terminated and content moderation processes.
- Enhancing engagement with Australian law enforcement, including proactive escalation of complaints where there is an imminent threat to the safety of a complainant.
A new compliance rating system will be introduced on participating services to provide users with clear guidance on how each service is meeting its commitments. Additionally, a Code Oversight Body will be formed to administer the Code and verify services’ self-assessed levels of compliance.
An independent Code Compliance Committee, consisting of a solicitor, an expert in online safety, sexual or gender-based violence, or public policy, and an expert in social networking technology platforms, will enforce the Code. This committee will have the authority to issue formal warnings, order participants to develop plans to meet commitments, and suspend or formally remove services from the Code, prohibiting any accreditation or reference to compliance.
The Code will be operational within the next three months. After nine months, the eSafety Commissioner will assess the effectiveness of the Code and advise the Government on its adequacy, including whether further regulatory action is required.
Online dating remains the most popular way for Australians to meet new partners. The National Roundtable for Online Dating Safety was convened following a study by the Australian Institute of Criminology, which revealed that three in four survey respondents had experienced sexual violence facilitated by dating apps in the past five years.
The Government acknowledges the constructive engagement of the industry to date, including investments in technology to prevent and reduce harmful behavior and content, and efforts to educate users on safety features and reporting mechanisms.
Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland, said, “Online dating is now the most common way to meet a partner in Australia. These services did not develop overnight, and the lack of action over the last decade means that regulation has not kept pace with technology.
“This new industry code is an Australian-first for the online dating sector.
“The Government will be watching industry closely over the coming months as the Code is operationalised, and we look forward to the eSafety Commissioner’s assessment of its effectiveness as we consider any possible next steps.”
Minister for Social Services, the Hon Amanda Rishworth, said, “Dating app violence is a form of gender-based violence, and it has to end.
“We must create communities—both in the physical and virtual world—where everyone is treated equally and with respect. This world-leading industry code will improve safety for Australians using dating apps and help them make choices about the apps they use. Everyone deserves to live a life free of violence no matter where they are—and this includes online.”
This initiative represents a significant step towards ensuring a safer online dating environment for Australians, reflecting the government’s commitment to combating online-enabled harm and protecting its citizens.
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