{
  "id": 8987070,
  "title": "Dating app safety shouldn't be left to women, researchers say",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/dating-app-safety-shouldnt-be-left-to-women-researchers-say",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-21T19:05:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-22/dating-app-harms-digital-duty-of-care-extension/107178246"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A new Australian study reveals that almost all women surveyed have encountered harmful behavior on dating apps. Researchers argue that dating platforms should take more responsibility to prevent these systemic risks. The federal government is currently reviewing a proposed digital duty of care, which could hold online services accountable for identifying and mitigating risks. The study found that 99% of heterosexual women experienced at least one harmful behavior, such as unsolicited explicit messages, love bombing, negging, gaslighting, and stalking. Women often take their own precautions to stay safe, including screening profiles for warning signs, withholding identifying information, and carefully managing interactions. However, these measures are not enough, as most women fear that their complaints will not be taken seriously by platforms. Lead researcher Karen Tindall emphasized the need for greater efforts from platforms to prevent preventable risks, rather than relying on users to report harm after the fact.",
  "summary": "Women report screening profiles, withholding personal information and managing interactions to protect themselves as researchers push for stronger obligations on dating platforms.",
  "key_points": [
    "99% of heterosexual women experienced harmful behaviors on dating apps",
    "Researchers argue platforms should take more responsibility for user safety",
    "Proposed digital duty of care aims to hold online services accountable"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}