Australia: Announced adoption of industry code to improve safety for Australians on online dating applications following Albanese Government request

On 5 July 2024, the Australian Government Department of Social Services announced that providers of online dating applications, including Match Group, Bumble, Grindr, Spark Networks, RSVP, and the ParshipMeet Group, have collectively agreed to adopt an industry code aimed at enhancing safety for Australian users. The code was developed following the Albanese Government's National Roundtable on Online Dating Safety convened last year. The code mandates the implementation of systems to detect online-enabled harm, actions against users violating safety policies, clear complaint and reporting mechanisms, support for safe dating practices, regular transparency reports, and improved engagement with law enforcement. Additionally, a compliance rating system will be introduced for services to guide users on the safety commitments met by each dating service. The administration of the code will be overseen by a newly established Code Oversight Body, with a Code Compliance Committee empowered to enforce compliance through various measures. The eSafety Commissioner will assess the effectiveness of the code and offer recommendations to the government if new measures are needed to increase user safety.