Online dating apps have six months to conform to a new code focussed on user safety, which came into effect this week.
Co-designed with the industry, the Australian-first Online Safety Code aims to protect users from harm.
Federal Communications Michelle Rowland said dating apps operating in Australia, such as Tinder, Hinge, OK Cupid, Plenty Of Fish, Bumble, Grindr, eHarmony, RSVP, MeetMe and Zoosk, have six months to implement changes, with enforcement to begin from April 1 next year.
Minister Rowland said the code required dating apps to implement reporting mechanisms and systems that detected potential incidents of online-enabled harm and take necessary action to address those incidents.
“Dating services will also be required to record and publish reports detailing the number of Australian accounts terminated and their content moderation processes,” she said.
Minister Rowland said after nine months of operation the eSafety Commissioner would assess the effectiveness of the code and provide advice on its adequacy, including whether further regulatory action is required.
She said a new Code Oversight Body would be formed to administer the Code, including verifying services’ 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.”
Minister Rowland said the code also required dating apps to offer more support resources on safe dating practices and online-enabled harms and have proactive engagement with Australian law enforcement, including escalation of complaints where there was imminent threat to safety.
She said a new rating system would also highlight to users and the broader community how well they were meeting their obligations under the code.
“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,” Minister Rowland said.
“Now that the code is operational, the Government will be watching industry closely to ensure they take the steps needed to keep their users safe.”
Leaner more about the Online Safety Code for dating apps.
