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People looking for love should have to verify that they are not convicted criminals before they are allowed to use a dating app, a technology expert has claimed.
Technology commentator and editor of EFTM, an online men’s magazine, Trevor Long said potential suitors shouldn’t have to fear for their lives when meeting a stranger.
“Twitter has its check marks, so why shouldn’t dating apps have authentication marks to prove that this person is who they say they are?” he said.
The call comes as NSW Labor leader Chris Minns demands that convicted felons be banned from all dating apps following the death of 31-year-old Dannielle Finlay-Jones.
Ms Finlay-Jones was allegedly murdered by Ashley Gaddie at her friend’s home in Cranebrook, western Sydney, after the pair met on Bumble.
Dating apps have been asked to tighten security measures and keep a record of online conversations in case they need to be used as evidence, while the federal government has been urged to introduce a domestic violence registry.
People looking for love should have to verify that they are not convicted criminals before being allowed to use a dating app, a technology expert has claimed (file image)
The call comes as New South Wales Labor leader Chris Minns demands that convicted felons be banned from all dating apps following the death of 31-year-old Dannielle Finlay-Jones.
Long said dating apps had a responsibility to protect their subscribers and had lagged behind other industries that had identity checks in place.
“If you want to get a job working with children, you need to get a work with children check,” he said.
‘I recently signed up for a prepaid cell phone plan and handed in my driver’s license and card number.
‘I assume that the company did an autonomous consultation on my behalf before approving my plan. This is not difficult, the change can be implemented in a few months.’
Long said dating apps could ask users to submit their digital ID, driver’s license or passport when signing up.
The company could then use the information to perform a quick background check on the user.
Ms Finlay-Jones was allegedly murdered by Ashley Gaddie at her friend’s Cranebrook home in western Sydney after the pair met on Bumble.
Long said dating apps had a responsibility to protect their subscribers and had lagged behind other industries that had identity checks in place.
“All the states already have our identity stored,” he said. That information could be verified without the dating app having to save or retain any private information.
All it does is verify with a government authority that you are who you say you are. There is no invasion of privacy.
Full Stop CEO Hayley Foster suggested that dating apps go a step further and keep conversations on record in case they need to be used as evidence.
Yesterday I spoke with a survivor who had been assaulted by someone [she met] in an app,’ he said.
‘When she went to have the police investigate the matter, the conversation had faded because they had not agreed.
“People who engage in sexually predatory behavior get away with closing their accounts and going about their business.”
Ms. Foster called on the federal government to introduce a domestic violence registry to improve safety in the dating community.
Full Stop CEO Hayley Foster suggested that dating apps go a step further and keep conversations on record in case they need to be used as evidence.
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet and his government are pushing through reforms to tighten security measures on dating apps
“We are frustrated to see that women and children in particular are being harassed and killed by people known to be dangerous and violent criminals,” he said.
“Someone who has used violence or abuse against a former partner is likely to use it in the future.”
New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet and his government are pushing through reforms to tighten security measures on dating apps.
Women’s Minister Bronnie Taylor has called on the federal government to take “urgent action to address the issue of women’s safety on dating apps.”
Taylor wrote her demands in a letter to Federal Communications Minister Michelle Rowland.
“This is not the first time a tragedy of this nature has (allegedly) occurred,” Ms Taylor wrote.
“I see there have been many calls from major bodies for reforms to improve security and strengthen protections for dating app users.
“We have an obligation to do everything in our power to ensure that tragedies like this never happen again, and the NSW government is taking action now.
A Bumble spokesperson said the organization was “devastated” by the recent death of Ms Finlay-Jones.
‘Effective action will require a national response, led by the Federal Government, supported by states and territories, and launched by dating app companies.
‘That is why I am seeking your support and leadership without delay.
“NSW is ready to take the first big step, however we cannot do it alone.”
A Bumble spokesperson said the organization was “devastated” by the recent death of Ms Finlay-Jones.
“The safety of our community is our priority and we will continue to work day in and day out to keep our members safe,” he said.
‘We have a dedicated team that is ready to assist in any active investigation and a law enforcement portal to facilitate access to data for investigative purposes.
“We are committed to law enforcement and supporting the investigation.”
Anyone who has been a victim of domestic violence or knows someone who has been affected should contact Full Stop on 1800 385 578.