Dating Apps Adopt New Safety Code That Could Escalate Threats To Authorities And Enhance User Protection.
Online dating apps have committed to enhancing user safety by escalating safety threats more swiftly to the police. This initiative comes as part of a new "world-leading" voluntary industry code adopted by major platforms, including Tinder, Hinge, Bumble, Grindr, WhosHere Plus, and Badoo.
Government officials worldwide have emphasized the need to catch up with the rapidly evolving online dating landscape to ensure the safety of millions of users seeking connections through these platforms. They noted that the lack of regulatory action over the past decade has left a gap in user protection.
The proactive steps taken by the dating industry giants to establish clear public commitments aim to improve security and address abuse. The new industry code is expected to enhance safety for users globally and help them make informed choices about the apps they use.
Under the new code, dating app companies will increase their collaboration with law enforcement agencies. This includes the proactive escalation of complaints when there is an imminent threat to user safety. Additionally, the code mandates the termination of accounts that violate safety policies and the implementation of systems to detect harmful incidents. Transparent complaint and reporting mechanisms will also be established.
Platforms are required to publish regular transparency reports detailing the number of accounts terminated and a rating system to track their compliance with the code's commitments.
The introduction of this code follows a global roundtable for online dating safety, which brought together experts from the online dating industry, governments, law enforcement agencies, and NGOs. The roundtable aimed to find the best ways to protect users navigating online dating, prevent exploitation, reduce harm, and encourage safety improvements.
The urgency for this code was underscored by a recent study that found a high incidence of sexual violence on dating apps. Common issues included sexual harassment, abusive and threatening language, and unsolicited sexual images.
Officials emphasized the importance of creating safe online environments. "Dating app violence is a form of gender-based violence, and it has to end," one official stated. They called for both physical and virtual communities where everyone is treated with respect and equality.