‘Important conversations’: Inside the government’s secret meeting with Tinder, Grindr and Hinge

Earlier this week, the federal government brought together major dating app companies in one room to do something about the abuse and harassment that’s rife on their platforms. Crikey understands the government staff then turned around and exited the room, leaving it to the companies’ representatives to sort it out themselves. 

This meeting, first revealed yesterday by Communications Minister Michelle Rowland in her address to the National Press Club, is part of the Albanese government’s latest efforts to address online safety, including for Australians who are dating online.

After convening a national roundtable in January with people from the industry, government, law enforcement agencies and academics, Rowland formally requested that the online dating industry come up with its own “industry code of practice” by the middle of 2024 or face regulation from the government. The code of practice is to include engagement with law enforcement, supporting at-risk users, improving safety policy and practices, and greater transparency about harms. 

This week, Rowland had the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and the Arts bring together online dating companies including representatives from Match Group (which owns Tinder, Hinge and other popular dating apps), Grindr and Bumble. After providing some information about what Rowland expected, department staffers then left the dating app industry to have confidential conversations among themselves. 

Representatives from the meetings were mum about what was discussed, but spoke of their willingness to work with the government to develop guidelines.

“These are important conversations and we are in regular conversations across the industry and with government officials on ways we can work together to address concerns and create effective solutions for a safer dating experience for all Australians,” a Match Group spokesperson said to Crikey in a statement.

“Grindr is pleased to participate in the Australian government’s efforts to enhance user safety, and we look forward to working with the government, other companies in our sector, and stakeholder groups to develop these guidelines,” said a Grindr spokesperson.

The online dating app industry has been under increased scrutiny around the world from policymakers as more information has come out regarding online and offline harm stemming from their platforms. A 2022 Australian Institute of Criminology study found that one in three users were subjected to real-world sexual violence perpetrated by someone they met through online dating. 

In response, apps like Tinder have begun to offer new safety features like photo verification, anti-harassment prompts for users using artificial intelligence and improved reporting mechanisms.