Australian study finds pervasive abuse on dating apps, fueling push for digital duty of care

A Behaviour Insights Team study funded by the Minderoo Foundation revealed that 99% of 1,008 heterosexual women surveyed in Australia experienced harmful conduct on dating apps within three months, including explicit messages, surveillance, love-bombing and threats of violence. Most respondents resorted to personal safety measures like profile vetting and limiting personal information, yet only about 22% reported threats to the platforms, and many felt their complaints were not taken seriously.

Lead researcher Karen Tindall argued that the prevalence of such behavior indicates a systemic issue that platforms should address before it harms users. The report coincides with a federal consultation on a digital duty of care, which would require services—including dating and messaging apps—to proactively manage foreseeable risks. Advocates such as Jacqueline Joudo Larsen and the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman see the proposal as a chance to embed accountability and protect Australians, while the opposition warns it could expand governmental control over online content.