The Albanese Government has been working closely with the dating industry to develop an online dating industry code– an Australia-first rulebook to protect users from harm and abuse. Anthony Norman Albanese is an Australian politician serving as the 31st, and current Prime Minister of Australia.
The Government has reduced online harm with a major focus– bringing together an Australian-first National Roundtable on Online Dating Safety. It included the smaller and larger players including Match Group (which owns the platforms, Tinder, Hinge, OK Cupid, and Plenty Of Fish), Bumble, and Grindr.
The ‘eSafety’ Commissioner has advised the Government that ‘the code’ is fit for purpose, and it is now operational. These companies have six months to implement changes, with strict enforcement.
The code requires dating apps to have:
Systems to detect potential incidents of online-enabled harm
Actions 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 online-enabled harms
Proactive engagement with Australian law enforcement, including escalation of complaints where there is an imminent threat to safety
A new rating system will also highlight to users and the broader community how well they can meet their obligations under the code.
After nine months of operation, the ‘eSafety’ Commissioner will assess the effectiveness of the code. If the code will be ineffective in reducing harm to Australians; the Government will consider whether further action is needed.
Consultation ahead of the code’s commencement included opportunities for representatives of at-risk communities to comment on the draft code, as well as a briefing with the National Lived Experience Advisory Council, to ensure victim-survivors could contribute to its development.
A new Code Oversight Body will be formed to administer the Code, including verifying services, and self-assessed levels of compliance.
Enforcement of the code will be the responsibility of an independent Code Compliance Committee made up of three members of the public – one person with experience relating to 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.
Enforcement could include issuing formal warnings, ordering a participant to develop a plan to meet its obligations under the code, or suspension or formal removal from the code, which would prohibit the use of any accreditation or reference to compliance with the code.
Dating apps that will be part of the code are Tinder, Hinge, Bumble, Grindr, eHarmony, OK Cupid, Plenty Of Fish, RSVP, MeetMe, Zoosk, Badoo (part of Bumble), Tagged, Skout, and Growlr.
Online dating is now the most common way to meet a partner in Australia; however, the level of violence and abuse experienced by users of these platforms is deeply concerning. That is why steps are taken to ensure a safer experience for Australians using online dating platforms.
The Australian Government’s constructive engagement with the industry means that the largest online dating services operating in Australia have made clear, public commitments to improve the safety of their services – including cracking down on abuse and removing dangerous users from platforms.
Now that the code is operational, the Government is watching the industry closely to ensure they take the steps to keep their users safe.
Dating app violence is a form of gender-based violence, and it has to end. The Government is committed to ensuring that Australians are safe from sexual violence and abuse in both online and physical spaces. We must create communities – both in the physical and online 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.
Educationist/Administrator/Editor/Author/Speaker
Commencing teaching in his early twenties, Prof Aggarwal has diverse experience of great tenure in the top institutions not only as an educationist, administrator, editor, author but also promoting youth and its achievements through the nicest possible content framing. A revolutionary to the core, he is also keen to address the society around him for its betterment and growth on positive notes while imbibing the true team spirit the work force along with.
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