Dating apps such as Tinder and Hinge have become the most common way for romantic relationships to form – but they’re also something of a magnet for creeps and weirdos.
Research from the Australian Institute of Criminology found three out of four people had experienced sexual violence or harassment involving someone they had met on a dating app.
But the same research found only 8.3 per cent of these incidents were reported to police.
Now, communications minister Michelle Rowland has announced a new voluntary code of conduct for dating apps, aimed at reducing these shocking rates.
Under the code, the tech companies behind the apps must work with law enforcement to establish and implement policies that not only protect users from harm, but also identify and remove users who violate safety policies.
It also established a requirement for these companies to have robust and responsive complaints handling processes.
“We are taking the steps needed to ensure a safer experience for Australians using online dating platforms,” Ms Rowland says.
“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.”
Companies have six months to comply with the voluntary code, before the government reviews the rules with a view to making them mandatory.
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