Australian Government Demands Online Dating Industry Improve Safety or Face Regulation

The Australian government has issued an ultimatum to the online dating industry, demanding improved safety measures for users. The federal Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland, and Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth, have called on dating services to implement a new voluntary code of practice by mid-2024.

If the industry fails to comply, the government has threatened to pursue legislative options to enhance user safety. Online dating has become the most common way to meet partners in Australia, but concerns have arisen about the levels of violence experienced by users. A study by the Australian Institute of Criminology in October 2022 revealed that 75% of Australian users had encountered some form of sexual violence linked to online dating services in the previous five years. The government aims to address these concerns through industry cooperation and potential regulations.