Our Guiding Principles

• We will work collaboratively as we develop our sector standards, dater safety guidance and other content

• We will be inclusive; making our standards, guidance and user-focussed safe dating materials available for use by all dating services and any other agencies engaged in promoting safety and wellbeing

• As a sector, we seek to comply with all legal and regulatory requirements applying to dating service providers. And, as an association, we will give particular prominence to the protection of personal data, privacy and consumer protection law

• We will seek out and commission research, seek to understand public opinion and take advice from the sector so our work to inform and influence is robust and evidence-based

• We will respond constructively to lawmakers and regulatory, public protection, digital economy, other agencies, and the media. We will share data and explain the sector and how it works in as clear and honest a way as possible

• We will seek to secure regulatory environments that allow services to provide choice and value to customers.

• We will look to our members to be clear with users and others on their support for the Association and their commitment to the standards the ODA develops and promotes.

• We will work to promote the belief no dating service should act in ways that bring the dating industry into disrepute. Membership is subject to this principle.