No specific guidance has been issued for sector, but minister says department would ‘expect everyone to be aware’ of social distancing
Credit: Pxfuel
A government minister has claimed that “dating apps and website companies” are among the firms to have received advice from government tech policy experts – but no specific guidance or initiatives have been targeted at the sector.
According to minister for digital and culture, Caroline Dinenage, “over the past few weeks, the Digital Tech Policy directorate within DCMS have been holding Coordinating Communications and Support teleconferences with key stakeholders” across the technology industry to help guide and assist its coronavirus response.
The DCMS secretary of state, Oliver Dowden, has spoken frequently about the department’s work with social media platforms to try and combat the spread of disinformation and misinformation.
Dating applications and websites clearly present a different risk in the current environment. Plaid Cymru MP Jonathan Edwards tabled a written parliamentary question asking DCMS what guidance it had issued to operators in the online dating sector “to help ensure that people do not use those services to arrange to meet up in person in contravention of social distancing measures during the Covid-19 outbreak”.
Related content
- Coronavirus misinformation reaching one in two adults
- DCMS beefs up ministers’ digital and data portfolios
- DCMS unit to lead government’s anti-disinformation work
In response, Dinenage referenced a range of industry bodies that DCMS experts have engaged with, including techUK, Tech Nation, the Internet Association, and the British Computer Society.
“Dating apps and website companies are amongst their membership,” she added. The government has issued clear guidance to businesses and the general public on how to respond to the current situation and this guidance is kept up to date on GOV.UK. We would expect everyone to be aware of social distancing guidance and to be doing their best to follow it.”
When asked by PublicTechnology, DCMS clarified that no specific guidance has been issued to internet dating companies about how they should behave during the current crisis.
For their part, some of the major players in the sector have proactively issued advice for users urging them not to arrange physical meet-ups.
On 24 March, Tinder chief executive Elie Seidman wrote a blog outlining that the popular app had “updated our guidance to strongly encourage that new connections stay digital for now”.
But he stressed that users could still use the platform to find and chat to people – especially given that it has now temporarily removed all fees for its passport service, which allows users to connect with anyone around the world, rather than simply nearby.
“While it not a moment to be meeting matches in person, we recognise that Tinder – a platform that is about connection – can play an important role as people navigate the uncertainty that Covid-19 has introduced into our everyday lives,” he said. “A new connection can make a world of difference, and having a conversation with someone, no matter where they are, helps us feel a little less alone.”
The UK website of Match.com, meanwhile, has created a section dedicated to ‘Lockdown Dating’, with various posts providing advice for users.
“[Lockdown] allows singles to resume searching for love using the dating site and app of their choice,” it said. “One thing is sure: there’s no risk of contracting or spreading the coronavirus from browsing the profiles of singles! Of course, you’ll have to wait a little longer to enjoy face-to-face dating, but for the moment nothing is stopping you from staying at home and experiencing love from a distance.”
Data from Statista suggests that more 40% of men and 30% of women in the UK are current or former users of online dating services.
Mexican Easy Pharm: Mexican Easy Pharm – mexican pharmaceuticals online
reputable mexican pharmacies online https://mexicaneasypharm.com/# mexican rx online
mexico drug stores pharmacies
п»їbest mexican online pharmacies https://mexicaneasypharm.com/# best online pharmacies in mexico
medication from mexico pharmacy
mexican border pharmacies shipping to usa https://mexicaneasypharm.shop/# mexico drug stores pharmacies
mexico drug stores pharmacies
https://semapharm24.com/# buy semaglutide
prednisone 2.5 mg daily
https://dappharm.shop/# dap pharm
prednisone 10 mg tablets
http://kamapharm.com/# Kamagra 100mg price
can i order prednisone
http://semapharm24.com/# Sema Pharm 24
can you buy prednisone without a prescription
https://predpharm.com/# Pred Pharm
cost of prednisone 40 mg
https://kamapharm.com/# Kama Pharm
40 mg prednisone pill
https://kamapharm.shop/# Kamagra 100mg price
5mg prednisone
https://predpharm.com/# PredPharm
can i buy prednisone online without prescription
https://kamapharm.com/# Kama Pharm
5 prednisone in mexico
https://dappharm.com/# buy priligy
400 mg prednisone
http://predpharm.com/# PredPharm
purchase prednisone from india
http://cytpharm.com/# Cyt Pharm
buy prednisone without prescription
https://kamapharm.com/# Kama Pharm
prednisone 54899
https://semapharm24.shop/# SemaPharm24
15 mg prednisone daily
http://farmabrufen.com/# Ibuprofene 600 prezzo senza ricetta
migliori farmacie online 2024
https://farmasilditaly.shop/# viagra originale in 24 ore contrassegno
Farmacia online miglior prezzo
http://farmatadalitaly.com/# acquistare farmaci senza ricetta
Farmacia online miglior prezzo
https://farmasilditaly.shop/# viagra naturale
comprare farmaci online con ricetta
Farmacie online sicure: Farma Brufen – farmaci senza ricetta elenco
Slot machines attract players with big jackpots.: taya365 login – taya365
Cashless gaming options are becoming popular. https://phtaya.tech/# Players can enjoy high-stakes betting options.
https://jugabet.xyz/# Las apuestas mГnimas son accesibles para todos.
Entertainment shows are common in casinos.
The casino industry supports local economies significantly.: phmacao casino – phmacao casino
Manila is home to many large casinos. http://taya777.icu/# The thrill of winning keeps players engaged.
Gambling regulations are strictly enforced in casinos.: taya777.icu – taya777
Players enjoy both fun and excitement in casinos. http://jugabet.xyz/# Los casinos garantizan una experiencia de calidad.
The poker community is very active here.: phmacao com – phmacao casino
Casinos often host special holiday promotions. http://phmacao.life/# Loyalty programs reward regular customers generously.
Los casinos organizan eventos especiales regularmente.: winchile.pro – winchile
Gambling can be a social activity here. https://taya365.art/# The casino industry supports local economies significantly.
The casino atmosphere is thrilling and energetic. https://winchile.pro/# Algunos casinos tienen programas de recompensas.
Slot machines attract players with big jackpots. https://jugabet.xyz/# Hay casinos en Santiago y ViГ±a del Mar.
Los croupiers son amables y profesionales.: winchile – winchile
Casino promotions draw in new players frequently.: taya777 app – taya777
Slot machines attract players with big jackpots.: phtaya login – phtaya.tech
High rollers receive exclusive treatment and bonuses. http://phmacao.life/# Live music events often accompany gaming nights.
Players must be at least 21 years old.: taya777.icu – taya777 app
The Philippines has a vibrant nightlife scene.: taya365 com login – taya365 login
Live dealer games enhance the casino experience.: taya777 – taya777.icu
Responsible gaming initiatives are promoted actively.: phmacao.life – phmacao com login
Gaming regulations are overseen by PAGCOR.: taya777 login – taya777 login
The ambiance is designed to excite players.: taya777.icu – taya777
Los casinos celebran festivales de juego anualmente.: jugabet – jugabet.xyz
Some casinos have luxurious spa facilities.: phmacao com – phmacao com
Resorts provide both gaming and relaxation options.: phtaya.tech – phtaya
Slot tournaments create friendly competitions among players. http://taya777.icu/# Casinos often host special holiday promotions.
http://winchile.pro/# Las redes sociales promocionan eventos de casinos.
Some casinos feature themed gaming areas.
Casino promotions draw in new players frequently.: taya777.icu – taya777 register login
Algunos casinos tienen programas de recompensas.: win chile – winchile casino
xxl mexican pharm: xxl mexican pharm – mexico drug stores pharmacies
canada pharmacy coupon http://familypharmacy.company/# Online pharmacy USA