Australia's government has called for the online dating industry to enhance safety standards to protect users from sexual violence or face regulation.
Australia Asks Online Dating Platforms to Establish Voluntary Code of Conduct
According to the Associated Press, Australian Communications Minister Michelle Rowland has set a deadline of June 30 for popular dating platforms like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge to establish a voluntary code of conduct addressing user safety.
This code may encompass closer collaboration with law enforcement, support for vulnerable users, improved safety policies, and greater transparency about potential risks. However, Rowland warned on Monday that the government is prepared to enforce change through legislation if safety standards do not see significant improvement.
The move is in response to research from the Australian Institute of Criminology, which revealed that three out of four users of dating apps or websites in Australia experienced some form of sexual violence through these platforms between 2016 and 2021.
"Online dating is actually the most popular way for Australians to meet new people and to form new relationships," Rowland acknowledged. Yet, she emphasized the government's concern about high rates of sexual harassment, abusive language, unsolicited explicit content, and violence facilitated by these platforms.
The Australian Information Industry Association, representing the tech sector in Australia, excluding online dating, commended the government's approach as "measured."
The association's CEO, Simon Bush, stated that this is how technology should be regulated: by identifying issues, engaging the industry, and attempting to find resolutions before resorting to regulation.
Dating App Companies' Response
Match Group, the company behind popular dating services, including Tinder, Hinge, Plenty of Fish, and OK Cupid, expressed its commitment to collaborating with regulators and partners to combat gender-based violence and bolster safety on their platforms.
Bumble also echoed support for the Australian government's initiative to eradicate gender-based violence. The company noted that creating a secure online environment is integral to its mission.
Kath Albury, a researcher at Melbourne's Swinburne University of Technology specializing in online dating, told AP about the importance of improvements in safety protocols.
She emphasized the need for clearer feedback mechanisms when users report unwanted or threatening contact, ensuring that responses feel personalized and timely, especially in unsafe or distressing situations.
The Australian government's call for improved safety standards in the online dating industry reflects a growing awareness of the need to protect users from potential harm or exploitation, particularly in digital interactions. This initiative aims to strike a balance between fostering innovation and ensuring the well-being of users.
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