The federal government has ordered online dating companies develop an industry code of practice to better protect users from sexual harassment and violence.
The online dating industry has been given a deadline of the middle of next year to implement the code of practice.
The Albanese government has written to online dating companies with the request, warning that if the code doesn’t improve safety for its users, it will consider laws to force their hand.
The move comes after the government held a National Roundtable on Online Dating Safety in January in response to concerns about sexual violence and harassment.
Recent data shows more than three million people use dating apps across the country.
The Australian Institute of Criminology released research last October which found three in four people using dating apps or websites experienced some form of sexual violence while using dating apps, in the five years to 2021.
The violence included sexual harassment, abusive or threatening language, image-based sexual abuse and stalking.
While many online dating platforms had taken steps to keep their users safe, efforts varied across the industry, leading to the need for a more collaborative approach, the government has said.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said online dating platforms needed to do their part to end violence against women.
Some dating apps are already implementing measures to try and stop sexual and domestic violence.
Match Group, which owns Tinder and Hinge, and Bumble have already engaged with law enforcement to strengthen reporting pathways.
The platforms have also introduced new features to increase user safety and are also collaborating with women’s safety experts.
In addition to this, Tinder has introduced a dating safety guide that all users have to agree on to download the app.
(9 NEWS)
