Tinder, Bumble and Grindr are among the popular Aussie dating apps ordered to hand over data on sexual violence in a government crackdown to improve safety.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland has directed the country’s top 10 online dating services to report back on the extent of harm being experienced by users, in addition to safety policies.
The information sought includes the number of reports received about sexual harassment and abuse people experienced using the app or after a date.
It also covers procedures dating services have in place to stop banned users from returning to the app on a new account and actions taken in response to reports, referrals to police or other support services.
Rowland has previously issued a stern warning to dating app executives, threatening that the government will intervene if they don’t work towards keeping Australians safe.
The information request follows a national roundtable meeting convened by Rowland and Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth earlier this year, which brought together the online dating industry, law enforcement, and state and territory governments.
Match Group–which owns Tinder and Hinge–and Bumble have since strengthened their safety policies by working with law enforcement to support reporting, introducing new app features, and engaging with women’s safety experts.
Sexual consent activist and roundtable participant Chanel Contos has since started working with Match Group to provide advice.
Rowland said she was pleased with recent progress made by the online dating platforms since the last meeting.
“The work we are undertaking will provide the government a strong evidence base as we consider policy reform options that may be required in this area, and we are committed to continuing to consult closely with industry, survivors and experts as this work progresses,” she said.
Rishworth said online dating provided a level of anonymity that could fuel behaviour that would not be tolerated in person.
Last year, a national survey of dating app users found a significant proportion were victims of sexual harassment, threats and in-person violence.
