New report links paying for dating apps to increased risk of sexual violence

A new report identified behaviours which increased the risk of app-facilitated violence, including paying for services, and connecting profiles to social media.

Nearly three in four dating app users have experienced some form of sexual violence, including sexual harassment and online stalking, with a new report identifying what can increase the risk of abuse.

The Australian Institute of Criminology report published on Thursday showed online dating platforms such as Tinder, Hinge, and OKCupid had a “high prevalence of sexual harassment, aggression and violence victimisation”.

A total of 73 per cent of 9987 people surveyed indicating they had experienced some form of sexual violence.

Using dating apps and more than one platform at a time increased the likelihood of experiencing dating app‑facilitated sexual violence such as sexual harassment, abusive language and online stalking.

The report found nearly three in four people surveyed reported experiencing dating app‑facilitated sexual violence, which includes sexual harassment, abusive language and online stalking.

Users who linked their profile to a social media account were also more likely to experience both online and in-person violence, with the report saying the connection can be “exploited by perpetrators to access personal information and to contact, harass and stalk”.

“This may be because these other communication platforms have poor guardianship and increase the concealability of offending,” it said, with the platforms offering lower levels of safety features.

Other behaviours included people who used more than one platform at the same time, users who listed their sexual or relationship preferences on their profile, and people who paid to use their services.

While the report couldn’t state the exact reason why paid users appeared to experience threatening behaviour, it theorised people with a subscription may “have a stronger motivation to meet someone, making them more vulnerable to motivated offenders”.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland says the government will be watching how dating apps comply with a new safety code. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Platforms have until April 1, 2025 to ensure their services comply with Australia’s world-first online dating safety code which requires apps and sites to proactively detect potential incidents of harm and take action against users who violate safety policies.

The code will also call on apps and sites to disclose the number of terminated accounts and content moderation findings to the eSafety commissioner, and ensure platforms engage with Australian law enforcement.

The government has repeatedly warned that failure to abide by the code will results in further regulatory action.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said the government was “watching industry closely” in how they’re abiding by the code.

“The level of violence and abuse experienced by users of these online dating platforms is deeply concerning and it has to end,” she said.

“The findings from the Australian Institute of Criminology underscores the need for action in this area which is why we are taking steps to ensure a safer experience for Australians using online dating platforms.

“The Albanese government’s constructive engagement with industry means that the largest online dating services operating in Australia have made clear, public commitments to improve the safety of their services through the online dating industry code – including to crack down on abuse and remove dangerous users from platforms.”

Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth said dating app violence was ‘a form of gender-based violence’. Picture: NewsWire/ Martin Ollman

Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth noted dating app violence disproportionately affected women, with the report stating heterosexual women were most likely to report being victims of sexual violence, compared to heterosexual men, and queer men and women.

“Dating app violence is a form of gender-based violence and it has to end,” she said.

“We must create communities – both in the physical and virtual world – where everyone is treated equally and with respect.”

She said the industry code would help improve safety conditions.

“Everyone deserves to live a life free of violence no matter where they are – and this includes online.”

A spokesperson for Match Group, which is the parent company behind Tinder, Hinge, and OkCupid, said its platforms would continue to work with the government and eSafety commissioner.

“This is a pervasive, culture issue that is indicative of wider systemic issues that occur everywhere, from public streets to workplaces and to social media platforms – ensuring a holistic approach is needed to crack down on abusers and bad actors,” they said.

“Over the last several years, we have closely collaborated with industry partners, as well as the offices of Ministers Rowland and Rishworth, and the eSafety Commissioner, to develop new safety tools, resources, and campaigns to help combat gender-based violence while promoting a culture of respect on and off online platforms.”