Train Operator Northern Blocks Dating Apps, ODDA Responds

Train operator Northern has reiterated its decision to block dating apps on its onboard WiFi as part of its commitment to providing a family-friendly internet service. Northern, which operates across northern England, initially implemented the block in 2017 as part of its participation in the Friendly WiFi scheme, ensuring its onboard internet complies with standards set by the UK Council for Child Internet Safety (UKCCIS).

Northern’s Chief Operating Officer, Matt Rice, states that the reasoning behind the ban was that ““whilst some dating websites, and users, will operate with appropriate levels of self-moderation, some might not”. In addition to dating apps, Northern blocks access to websites and apps related to nudity, gambling, pornography, and other NSFW (not safe for work) content as a whole.

Despite this, the Online Dating and Discovery Association (ODDA) has expressed disappointment with Northern’s blanket ban. A spokesperson for ODDA argued that “This is such a disappointing decision made by Northern which fails to take into account the huge amount of work the Online Dating and Discovery Association (ODDA) and its members have done in recent years to prevent children from accessing inappropriate content.”

“As the global voice for the sector, trust and safety is at the heart of what we do. Our members employ an extensive range of methods to keep users safe from online harm including robust identity verification processes to prevent children from signing up to online dating sites. We also require all our members to sign up to our standards.”

So far, Northern seems committed to standing by its decision, and has wished its users “all the best” in search for partners through these apps. ODDA, on the other hand, stated that “with more and more people finding friendship and romance online, it’s a real shame that they’ve implemented a blanket ban.”