Online dating codes

Love and theft: why is Australia’s online dating app safety code only voluntary?

Online dating app companies have now adopted a new industry code to improve safety for Australians following a request by the Albanese Government. Dating services have also agreed to a new compliance rating system that will be published on participating services to provide users clear guidance on how each dating service is meeting its commitments. An independent Code Compliance Committee made up of three members of the public — comprising one person admitted to practice as a solicitor, one person with experience relating to online safety, sexual or gender-based violence or public policy, and one with experience in social networking technology platforms — will be empowered to enforce the Code. This could include by issuing formal warnings, ordering a participant develop a plan to meet its commitments, suspension or formal removal from the Code, which would prohibit the use of any accreditation or reference to compliance with the Code. The Government convened the National Roundtable for Online Dating Safety following a study from the Australian Institute of Criminology that three in four survey respondents had been subjected to sexual violence facilitated by dating apps in the last five years.

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Like, straight up, you know? Some are saying what they think they should want. A posed photo will tell you volumes.

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Online dating apps have pledged to escalate complaints of imminent safety threats more swiftly to police under a voluntary industry code. The companies behind Tinder, Hinge, Bumble, Grindr, RSVP and eharmony are among those to adopt the code, developed after the national roundtable on online dating safety. Other features of the code are systems to detect potential incidents of online-enabled harm, termination of accounts found to have violated online safety policies, and prominent, clear and transparent complaint and reporting mechanisms. The platforms will also publish regular transparency reports detailing the number of Australian accounts terminated, as well as a rating system tracking whether each dating service is meeting its commitments. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said the code was an Australian-first for the online dating sector.

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Transform your dating life

The world of online dating is like a maze, filled with pitfalls and potential blunders that can leave even the most confident guys feeling lost. So are we. Instead of starting with a generic introduction, take a peek at her bio to discover common interests or intriguing details. Then, hit her with a compelling or unique question that sparks curiosity. Express your interest in an in-person rendezvous by suggesting a plan early, but be sure not to come off as pushy.

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