Australia demands dating sites boost safety amid sexual violence

The move comes after Australian Institute of Criminology research, released in October last year, found three-in-four people using dating apps or websites experienced some form of sexual violence in the five years to 2021. — AFP Relaxnews

Australia’s government demanded online dating firms boost safety practices by mid-next year or face regulation, after research showed a spate of sexual violence against users of such platforms.

The government called Sept 18 for a voluntary code from the industry that included commitments for better engagement with law enforcement, supporting at-risk users, stronger safety policies and greater transparency about harm.