Match Group Takes Action Against Abuse and Harassment on Australian Dating Apps
In a significant move to enhance safety on Australian dating platforms, Match Group — the operator behind popular apps such as Tinder, Hinge, Plenty of Fish, OkCupid, and Match.com — has banned or suspended approximately 660,000 accounts during the 2024/25 reporting year. This action follows increased scrutiny from the federal government, which has emphasized the importance of protecting users from abuse, harassment, and violent conduct.
According to recent reports, nearly 11,000 accounts were removed due to abuse or harassment, while over 11,500 were suspended for alleged “off-platform misconduct,” including abuse, harassment, sexual exploitation, or financial harm. The data underscores the persistent challenges faced by online dating services in maintaining a safe environment for users.
Notably, Tinder accounts accounted for the majority of legal inquiries related to dating app misconduct. The platforms received a total of 34,300 complaints about abuse and harassment, nearly 50,000 reports of off-platform misconduct, and close to 19,000 reports involving violence and hate. Law enforcement agencies also issued 71 legal orders, with requests for user information to assist investigations.
Yoel Roth, Match Group’s Head of Trust and Safety, emphasized the company’s commitment to user protection. “While the vast majority of interactions are positive, sometimes things don’t go as they should,” Roth stated. The company is investing heavily in technology and partnerships with safety experts to proactively address these issues.
Scams and spam remain the primary focus for safety efforts, with over 610,000 accounts banned or suspended for such activities. More than 90% of these were identified as fake accounts, highlighting the increasing sophistication of malicious actors online. Match Group employs AI tools to detect spam content effectively, achieving detection rates above 90%, but faces challenges in identifying abuse and harassment, where detection rates are lower.
The release of this data coincides with the company’s first transparency report since the implementation of the voluntary dating app safety code in October 2024. This code mandates platforms to take proactive safety measures and report on their efforts. The eSafety Commissioner is currently reviewing the code’s effectiveness and compliance, amid government concerns about the adequacy of current protections.
Match Group also utilizes advanced verification methods, including AI scans for underage images and language, as well as live selfies and government-issued IDs, to bolster safety measures. Despite these efforts, experts acknowledge that online safety remains an ongoing challenge, requiring continuous innovation and vigilance.
For those seeking support related to sexual abuse or mental health, resources such as 1800 RESPECT, National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service, Lifeline, and beyondblue are available to assist.
