New industry code now operational to make online dating safer

The code, which commenced on 1 October was developed by online dating app platforms at the request of the Australian Government.

An Australian-first, the code was developed by an industry working group made up of dating apps operating in Australia including Tinder, Hinge, OK Cupid, Plenty Of Fish, Bumble, Grindr, eHarmony, RSVP and MeetMe and Zoosk.

These companies will have six months to implement changes required by the code, with enforcement to begin from 1 April 2025.

The code requires dating apps to implement reporting mechanisms and systems that detect potential incidents of online-enabled harm and take necessary action to address these incidents. Dating services will also be required to record and publish reports detailing the number of Australian accounts terminated and their content moderation processes.

After nine months of operation the eSafety Commissioner will assess the effectiveness of the code and provide advice to Government on its adequacy—including whether further regulatory action is required.

A new Code Oversight Body will 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.

Enforcement could include issuing formal warnings, ordering a participant to develop a plan to meet its obligations under the code, suspension or formal removal from the code, which would prohibit the use of any accreditation or reference to compliance with the code.

Find out more