Dating apps have been issued with an ultimatum in order to address sexual assault on their platforms – be better or face regulation.

The government has requested that the online dating industry develop a new voluntary code of practice to protect Australians using their services.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland says she will take action if nothing improves.

“Online dating platforms must do their part to end violence against women,” she said.

“I have made it crystal clear that if the industry fails to improve safety outcomes for Australians, we will not hesitate to develop legislative options.”

The government wants the code in place by mid-2024 and have it include commitments to better engage with police, support users, improve safety measures and be more transparent about the potential harms.

The Australian Institute of Criminology found three in four people using online dating experienced some form of sexual violence facilitated by the app.

This included sexual harassment, abusive or threatening language, image-based sexual abuse and stalking.

—AAP