US Online Dating Safety Act of 2023
Why Greed Dating Implemented The Act Even Before it Became Law
How it compares to the UK Online Safety Act
In under 10 hours it was launched globally in 13 languages
Overview
This article demonstrates how web and app-based businesses can respond swiftly to protect consumers when clear laws and regulations are in place. The UK is currently rolling out the Online Safety Act, while the US has proposed the Online Dating Safety Act of 2023. Unlike the overly complex UK act with vague targets, the US act provides a straightforward specification. By breaking legislation into smaller, simpler, and well-defined targets, consumer protection can be enhanced, and operators can save significant development time.
Introduction
At Greed Dating, we’re committed to creating a safe environment for our users, so when we came across the Online Dating Safety Act of 2023, we immediately saw its value. Although the act has not yet been passed into law, it highlights critical standards for safeguarding online daters from fraud and scams. Authored by Congressman David G. Valadao, the act proposes that dating platforms notify users if they’ve been in contact with flagged accounts associated with fraud. By implementing this act’s guidelines on our platform ahead of its potential legal requirement, we’ve made sure that Greed Dating provides a more transparent, secure experience for our community. Here’s a closer look at how we brought this initiative to life and why it benefits our members.What the US Online Dating Safety Act of 2023 Entails
The Online Dating Safety Act of 2023 focuses on enhancing user protection within online dating by establishing a fraud notification system. Specifically, the act requires dating platforms to alert users when they’ve communicated with a flagged or banned account. Notifications would detail the profile identifier of the flagged user, the time of the interaction, and a cautionary reminder not to share financial or personal information. This simple but impactful approach offers users a heightened level of awareness and encourages caution in their interactions, helping them to avoid scams and potential fraud.Incorporating these practices onto our platform made perfect sense, as they align with our vision for safe, honest, and secure dating. Even though it’s not legally mandatory at this point, implementing this feature was an easy choice for us at Greed Dating, where user well-being is important.
The Complexity of the UK Online Safety Act
The UK Online Safety Act aims to regulate online platforms to protect users, particularly minors, from harmful content. However, its complexity and lack of clear targets make compliance challenging for businesses. The act covers a wide range of content and interactions, resulting in a broad and sometimes ambiguous scope. This leaves companies unsure about their obligations, leading to inconsistent implementation and gaps in user protection.The act emphasises the duty of care for online platforms but lacks measurable compliance criteria. This ambiguity forces operators to interpret the legislation, slowing down the implementation of safety features and increasing development costs as companies repeatedly adjust to meet unclear expectations.
In contrast, legislation with well-defined, actionable steps allows businesses to respond efficiently, ensuring better consumer protection. The UK's approach, while comprehensive, would benefit from greater clarity and simplicity to help operators implement safety measures effectively.
Rapid Implementation: Delivering Safety Without Delay
One of the key highlights of this implementation (US act) was how quickly we were able to bring it to our users. From initial planning to development, the entire process took less than 10 hours. With a straightforward planning phase of just 45 minutes and a core development time of five hours, we were able to adapt our existing data and systems to accommodate these new features. Minor adjustments, such as adding a “Scam” button within our internal moderation system, enabled us to quickly integrate this safety measure without disrupting the experience on our platform.
Our rapid approach wasn’t just efficient; it also allowed us to make this feature globally accessible. We translated it into 13 languages and implemented it across all platforms—iOS, Android, web, and mobile web—ensuring that users everywhere could benefit from enhanced security.
What This Means: An Enhanced Layer of Security
Greed Dating's early adoption of the Online Dating Safety Act guidelines means members can now feel even more confident while using the platform. If a member has interacted with a flagged account, it will be listed in the scammer section of the app/site, which includes key details to help identify and understand the risk. This added transparency, combined with a dedicated section in the settings to view information about recently flagged accounts, ensures members can stay informed and vigilant.This feature is further supported by scam-awareness training materials and direct support contacts, making it simple to stay informed. By combining user notifications with educational resources, we’re empowering members to make safe, well-informed decisions as they connect with others on Greed Dating.
Length and Review Process of the UK Online Safety Act
The UK Online Safety Act is a comprehensive piece of legislation, spanning over 300 pages, with an additional 126 pages of explanatory notes. Since its initial publication in May 2021, the Act has undergone extensive amendments based on feedback from stakeholders, including recommendations from a Joint Parliamentary Committee. The ongoing review and multiple revisions have added to its complexity, making it challenging for businesses to navigate.The Act requires Ofcom to develop guidance and codes of practice, which involves public consultations. These consultations, which have been ongoing since early 2023, aim to refine the requirements and ensure platforms are equipped to meet their duties. However, this prolonged process means that the Act's requirements are still evolving, and compliance remains a moving target for businesses. The duties outlined in the Act are expected to come into effect in early 2025, further extending the timeline for companies to fully adapt.
This extended review period and the length of the documentation contribute to the challenges faced by businesses. Breaking down the legislation into smaller, more precise requirements would make it easier for companies to implement necessary measures, ultimately benefiting consumer safety and reducing the burden on operators.
Greed Dating: A Platform That Puts Your Safety First
At Greed Dating, we are dedicated to creating a trusted and secure environment for our users. Our proactive adoption of the US Online Dating Safety Act of 2023—even before it was legally required—demonstrates our commitment to user protection and transparency. We also recognise the complexity of the UK's Online Safety Act and are committed to implementing its requirements, despite the challenges. However, we believe that a simpler approach, like that of the US act, would better serve both businesses and consumers.With over 600,000 members already benefiting from our safety features, Greed Dating stands as a community built on trust and proactive security measures. We believe quality goes beyond just functionality; it means providing a safe space where users feel valued and supported. As the online dating industry evolves, we remain committed to leading with innovation, always prioritising user safety and satisfaction. Thank you to our members for being part of Greed Dating’s journey toward a safer, better-connected world.
References
US Online Dating Act:https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/6125/all-infoUK Online Safety Act:https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3137
Congressman Valadao:https://valadao.house.gov/
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