Tinder, Hinge, RSVP, Grindr sign on to world-leading dating safety industry code

Dating app users who harass, threaten or share unwanted explicit photos could have their accounts terminated on multiple platforms in a “world leading” crackdown on online apps.

About 75 per cent of online dating programs operating in Australia have signed onto the dating industry code, including Bumble, Grindr, RSVP and Match Group, which operates the largest portfolio of dating apps, including major platforms Hinge and Tinder, as well as OkCupid, Match.com and Plenty of Fish.

One term of the code means that users who are booted from one app, will be booted off all services operated by the company.

Platforms will also be required to alert police in situations where there is an “imminent threat to the safety” of a user, and require brand to transparently detail their complaints processes and publish regular data on how many accounts are terminated as a result of poor behaviour.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said the code would create “real practical change”.

“It allows industries to alert law enforcement agencies about credible reports where there’s an imminent threat to someone’s life or serious physical harm,” she said.

“Having a clearly identifiable point of contact for law enforcement and the sharing of information, insight and trends.”

Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth said the government and industry were looking to combat “a whole hierarchy of behaviours”.

“It starts from sexual harassment, which is sexual violence, unwanted comments, unwanted persistent comments … up to threats to life because someone might not go on a date, sharing images, explicit images, that are unsolicited and unwanted,” she said.

Apps will also be requred to adopt measures to identify and intervene in instances of poor behaviour and educate users.

“What we’ve got to be clear is whether it’s sexual harassment, whether it’s unsolicited explicit pictures, these are unacceptable behaviours, and dating apps have a responsibility to educate the community and stop it from happening,” she said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government chose to implement a code of conduct was an “important first step” in making online dating safer.

He said it was the better option compared to legislation, with fast-moving tech companies able to adapt and get around legislated rules.

“Governments, parents and our whole society is grappling with ... how to make sure we benefit from what new technology brings, without posing risks to our safety online,” he said.

As part of the new code, which will come into effect within the next three months, apps will also be graded according to a new compliance rating system, which will be monitored by a Code Oversight Body.

A separate three-person Code Compliance Committee comprised of a solicitor, a person with experience relating to online safety, sexual or gender-based violence or public policy, and someone with experience in social networking will be tasked with enforcing the code.

This also includes responsibilities like issuing formal warnings, development plans to help apps meet the code, or suspending booting a platform from the code if they repeatedly fail to meeting their commitments.

Following nine months of the initiative, the code will be reviewed by eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, who will determine where more regulatory action is needed.