Online dating apps have pledged to escalate safety threats more swiftly to police as they try to improve protections for Australians using their platforms. The companies behind Tinder, Hinge, Bumble, Grindr, RSVP and eHarmony are among those to adopt what is being called a "world-leading" voluntary industry code. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said the government was playing catch up to ensure the safety of millions of users hoping to connect with potential partners.
Platforms will also publish regular transparency reports detailing the number of Australian accounts terminated, and a rating system tracking whether they are meeting their commitments. Last year, a series of experts from the online dating industry met with state and territory governments, law enforcement agencies and NGOs for the National Roundtable for Online Dating Safety.