Online dating platforms now subject to enforcement

Australians will now be better protected while dating online with the enforcements starting under an Australian first online dating code. 

The online dating industry code puts safeguards in place to protect users from online harm and abuse, and was developed by industry in consultation with law enforcement and those with lived experience following a request from the Australian Government.

The voluntary code has been operational for six months, giving service providers time to implement changes ahead of strict enforcement commencing today.

Under the code, participating platforms are required to have: 

  • Systems to detect potential incidents of online-enabled harm

  • Actions taken against users who have violated a company’s online safety policies, including terminating their accounts across all services operated by that company

  • Prominent and transparent complaint and reporting mechanisms

  • Regular transparency reports detailing the number of Australian accounts terminated and content moderation processes

  • More support resources on safe dating practices and mitigating online enabled harms

  • Proactive engagement with Australian law enforcement, including escalation of complaints where there is imminent threat to safety

Industry transparency about the nature and extent of harms will empower users to make informed choices about the services they use. Platforms will also be required to engage in more reporting with a new rating system on how well they are meeting their obligations.

Failure to comply with the code exposes platforms to enforcement by the independent Code Compliance Committee. Enforcement could include issuing formal warnings, ordering platforms to develop a plan to meet its obligations under the code and, suspending or removing them from the code.

The committee is made up of three members of the public – one person with experience in online safety, sexual or gender-based violence or public policy, one person admitted to practice as a solicitor, and one with experience in social networking technology platforms.

The eSafety Commissioner will start assessing the Code’s effectiveness this year. If it has not been effective, the Government will have the option to pursue regulatory options to keep Australians safe online.

Participating platforms include Match Group (Tinder, OKCupid), ParshipMeet (eHarmony), Bumble, Grindr, and Spark Networks (Zoosk).

For more information, head to: https://www.australianonlinedatingcode.com.au/

Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:

“Australians deserve to feel safe when using online dating apps. Reducing online harms is a major focus of ours which is why I am pleased to see industry’s work to develop this code, which is now ready to be strictly enforced. 

“Online safety is a shared responsibility so I am pleased to see some of the largest online dating services across the country commit to doing their part towards the goal of ending violence in our community. 

“If this voluntary code doesn’t stack up and keep users safe we will not hesitate to regulate.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Social Services, the Hon Amanda Rishworth MP

“Millions of Australians use online dating platforms, with research suggesting more than 70 per cent of users in Australia have experienced at least one incident of dating app facilitated sexual violence.

“This is unacceptable, and that’s why protecting vulnerable Australians from online abuse, including dating app violence, is our ongoing priority. 

“It’s important we ensure the rules and regulations we have in place are as effective as possible in reducing online harm for all Australians and the enforcement of this new, Australian-first code for dating services is a very positive step towards creating a safe, online space.”