ODA Seeks Associate Relationships With Non-Service Providers

Industry regulatory body the Online Dating Association is seeking to further its influence in the dating industry, by partnering with supplementary organisations and companies.

The organisation already works with dating sites and apps, signing up service providers that adhere and agree to its code of conduct as Online Dating Association members.

The ODA currently has companies including Match.com, eHarmony, TrueView, Lovestruck, Christian Connection and Guardian Soulmates as members.

But now the body, which launched at the end of 2013, is looking to those that are closely involved with the dating sector “through the supply of technical, financial, advice, data-related and other services and goods.”

The ODA wants to form paid “Associate” relationships with these companies, committing together to build a “strong healthy market that the public trust and value.”

And the first of these associate partnerships is with fraud detection company Scamalytics.

Nick Tsinonis, co-founder of Scamalytics said: “At Scamalytics, we are closely linked to the values of the ODA and we are privileged to have been able to have passed the criteria for making the first ODA Associate member.

“We extend a call to all other dating industry vendors to apply and do the same. I believe we have a responsibility as vendors to help maintain high quality service standards for UK dating companies and being part of the ODA shows that commitment.”

These new associates are not “members” of the ODA, and are not bound by a code of practice, but are formed in an effort to help strengthen the ODA’s capacity and capability to speak for the sector.

In terms of the benefits of becoming an associate, the ODA has outlined a number of shared benefits for potential associates:

1. Benefit generally from the ODA as an effective collective voice, diffusing possible criticism and celebrating the economic and social significance of the sector.
2. Participate at ODA events without charge, allowing networking and learning opportunities.
3. Receive ODA briefing and other alerts and materials on legislative, media and other matters.
4. Enjoy managed access to research, guidance and information hosted in member-only space on the ODA website.
5. Enjoy any membership benefits on offer to ODA members, including legal helpline support, and support at potentially discounted rates.
6. Use of the ODA logo as a demonstration of the company’s commitment to standards and public protection, and to have a listing and link on the ODA’s site.
7. Have at least one opportunity annually for those with a significant UK market presence to offer ODA members the opportunity to attend an event, briefing or other function of relevance to them as dating providers.

There is an annual fee for becoming an associate, which depends on the organisation’s size and involvement.

You can find more information about becoming an associate here.