Users accused of wrongdoing in dating apps will be banned, while the apps will have to proactively work with law enforcement under a code introduced on Tuesday.

The code, which may become mandatory after a year, was introduced following research from the Australian Institute of Criminology that found that three in four people had experienced sexual violence or harassment related to dating apps.

Of those, only 8.3 per cent reported incidents to the police.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said that although online dating was the most common way for Australians to meet a partner, there was a “deeply concerning” level of violence and abuse.

“That is why we are taking the steps needed to ensure a safer experience for Australians using online dating platforms,” she said.

“Now that the code is operational, the government will be watching industry closely to ensure they take the steps needed to keep their users safe.”

How will it work?

Dating apps such as Tinder, OKCupid, Bumble and Hinge will have six months to comply with the code of conduct, which they agreed to adopt.

It will require the platforms to implement ways of acting against users who violate their online safety policies.

From April 1, strict enforcement will force apps to have complaint and reporting mechanisms against users, report to the Australian government on accounts that have been terminated, moderate content, encourage safe dating practices, and engage proactively with law enforcement.

A Four Corners investigation in 2023 found that out of 48 people who had reported sexual harassment or assault to Tinder, only 11 received responses from the $2 billion company.

💕Online dating is a common way for many Australians to meet their partners.

❤ From 1 October, a new online dating industry code will improve the safety of Australians using dating apps.

➡ Find out more: https://t.co/Wbx8TpYzri#OnlineSafety@eSafetyOffice pic.twitter.com/CaSB7b2i2e

— AusGov Media & Tech (@AusGovMediaTech) October 1, 2024

Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth said that “dating app violence is a form of gender-based violence”.

“Our government is committed to ensuring Australians are safe from sexual violence and abuse in both online and physical spaces,” she said.

“This world-leading industry code will improve safety for Australians using dating apps and help them make choices about the apps they use.”

Michelle Rowland said dating apps had agreed to “crack down on abuse and remove dangerous users”. Photo: AAP

The Albanese government said the e-safety commissioner would review the code after a year to ensure that it had effectively reduced violence.

Gender-based violence

Earlier this month, four men were convicted of raping a woman after she matched with one of them on Tinder and agreed to meet just him at her home, before he let the other three men into her apartment while she was showering.

Similar crimes – and the Australian Institute of Criminology research – spurred a round-table on online dating safety in 2023, before the announcement of the introduction of the code.

Most of the reported incidents were sexual harassment, abusive and threatening language or unsolicited sexual images.

However, reports of in-person sexual violence were also rife.

One in three people experienced in-person sexual violence, according to the institute’s research, including having drinks spiked, being physically or verbally pressured into sexual acts or experiencing stealthing.

Stealthing, the act of secretly removing a condom during sex, is illegal in the ACT, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania and NSW.