The Australian government announced on Tuesday that a new code of conduct will be enforced within the online dating industry to offer better protection for users. This follows research showing that three out of four individuals have experienced some form of sexual violence on these platforms.
Major platforms including Bumble, Grindr, and Match Group Inc.—a Texas-based company owning Tinder, Hinge, OKCupid, and Plenty of Fish—have agreed to the code, which became effective on Tuesday, as stated by Communications Minister Michelle Rowland. Collectively, these platforms represent 75% of the online dating industry in Australia. The companies have until April 1 to implement the changes before facing strict enforcement.
The new code mandates the platforms to use systems capable of detecting potential online-enabled harm and requires the termination of repeat offenders’ accounts. The code also introduces prominent and transparent complaint and reporting mechanisms. Additionally, a rating system will be implemented to inform users of how well platforms are complying with the code.
The push for a code of conduct emerged last year after the Australian Institute of Criminology found that 75% of users of dating apps or websites had encountered some form of sexual violence through these platforms between 2016 and 2021.
“There needs to be a complaint-handling process. This is a pretty basic feature that Australians would have expected in the first place,” Rowland said on Tuesday. She emphasized that if an individual is banned on one platform, they should be blocked on all platforms to enhance safety.
Match Group has already introduced new safety features on Tinder, including photo and identification verification, aiming to prevent bad actors from accessing the platform and boosting user confidence in their connections’ authenticity. The platform also employs artificial intelligence to send real-time warnings about potentially offensive language and advises users to pause before sending a message.
“This is a pervasive issue, and we take our responsibility to help keep users safe on our platform very seriously,” Match Group stated on Wednesday, adding that it will continue collaborating with the government and the industry to ensure safer dating for all Australians.
Bumble expressed its commitment to eliminating gender-based violence and appreciated the opportunity to work with the government and industry on what it describes as a “world-first dating code of practice.” “We know that domestic and sexual violence is a significant issue in Australia, particularly impacting women, LGBTQ+ communities, and First Nations members,” Bumble stated. “Bumble prioritizes women’s experiences, aiming for healthy and equitable relationships, with safety being central to our mission from day one,” the statement added.
Grindr also conveyed its honor in participating in the code’s development and shared the Australian government’s commitment to online safety.
These leading platforms were directly involved in crafting the code they have agreed to. However, some platforms such as Happn, Coffee Meets Bagel, and Feeld have not signed up.
The government hopes that this new code will help Australians make more informed choices regarding the safest dating apps. Additionally, it has voiced a warning to the online dating industry, threatening legislation if the platforms do not ensure users’ safety.
