2 days Ago By Dominic Giannini
Australians looking for love online can expect a safer experience when using dating apps as a code of conduct becomes enforceable to prevent abuse. Login or signup to continue reading The voluntary code was prompted by alarming statistics revealing three-in-four users had experienced some form of dating app-facilitated abuse and one in five reported being threatened, according to one Australian study . The term encompasses sexual harassment, abusive language, image-based sexual abuse, stalking and rape.
It becomes enforceable on Tuesday and commits platforms to address safety concerns by proactively detecting potential incidents of harm, banning perpetrators and making reporting easier. Penalties include formal warnings, ordering a platform to develop a plan to meet its obligations or suspension or removal from the code, which prevents the use of accreditation. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland is happy with the industry-developed code but maintains the government won't hesitate to put in place big-stick measures if dating apps don't comply.
"If the government considers that it doesn't stack up and it's not resulting in improved safety, then of course we've got the option to actually regulate in this area rather than have the industry code," she told AAP. A report of key statistics will be released on July 1 and reviewed by the eSafety commissioner to see if apps are up to scratch. How many accounts were shut down, what moderation systems find and how complaints were handled will be used as yardsticks.
"I think complaints handling will be a really good indicator because that will show the number of complaints and how they got helped and whether that was to customer satisfaction," Ms Rowland said. The code covers the most popular dating platforms including Bumble, RSVP, Spark Networks, Grindr and Match Group, which runs Tinder and Hinge, and the ParshipMeet Group, which includes Harmony. Tinder owners Match Group said it had introduced new safety tools such as photo verification and ID verification, which would help stop bad actors from accessing the platform, and give users more confidence on the authenticity of connections.
Robust reporting tools and AI features were also helping to detect harmful behaviours, it said. Grindr said it was "honoured" to participate in the development of the code and to serve as an inaugural member of the dating code signatory body. "The code reflects our current and ongoing commitment to user safety with which we will continue to comply," a spokesperson said.
RSVP said the safety and security of members were "of paramount importance to us". "However, it's crucial to note that RSVP is a platform for connecting individuals, and while we strive to maintain a safe environment, we cannot be held responsible for incidents occurring outside of our platform," a spokesperson said. All platforms have been working on improving user safety through measures such as using artificial intelligence to detect harmful messages, having photo ID verification, providing online safety tips and being able to block users.
Dating apps aren't stopping minors using platforms, where they risk being groomed, an Australian Institute of Criminology online safety forum was told. Age-gated technology the government had told social media companies to put in place to enforce its under-16 ban should be extrapolated to dating apps to stop minors using them, criminology expert Tahlia Hart said. Banning teenagers from using the apps wasn't the government's plan, Ms Rowland said, instead pointing to addressing concerning behaviours like infinite scrolling on social media and the psychological impact it carries.
But the trial being undertaken about how best to verify age for social media platforms may prove useful to the dating industry, she said. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028 Australian Associated Press DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update.
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