Dating apps and websites have until mid-next year to develop and implement a voluntary code of conduct, or the Australian government will pursue legislative options. Image source: Freepik
The federal government has issued a warning to online dating platforms — lift your standards and improve safety for users or face Australian regulation.
The Government has given the online dating industry until mid-2024 to develop and implement a voluntary code of practice.
The decision comes after the National Roundtable on Online Dating Safety, with the requirement that voluntary code must include commitments to “improving engagement with law enforcement, supporting at-risk users, improving safety policies and practices, and greater transparency about harms.”
The roundtable was convened by the Ministers for Communications and Social Services, as consisted of representatives from state and territory governments, the online dating industry, the family, domestic and sexual violence sector and victim-survivor advocacy groups.
According to 2022 research by the Australian Institute of Criminology, three in four user of dating apps or websites have experienced some form of online sexual violence in the past five years.
“Dating apps are now the most common way to meet a partner in Australia, yet the level of violence experienced by users of these platforms is deeply concerning,” said Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland. “Online dating platforms must do their part to end violence against women.”
“That is why I have decided to provide members of the online dating industry with an opportunity to work together to address the Government’s concerns.
“However, I have made it crystal clear that if the industry fails to improve safety outcomes for Australians, we will not hesitate to develop legislative options.”
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth shared similar sentiments. “It is time for the industry to lift its standard, but it is also time for the industry to look at the unique position it is in.
“With technology comes the opportunity for these dating apps to actually provide interventions, to identify bad behaviour before it becomes criminal … to stop someone that may be behaving badly online, to actually either remove them from online or provide some education to them.”
The Department of Social Services media release can be read in full here.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au.
If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au.
