US States Consider Regulating Online Dating: Will There be a Satisfaction Guarantee?

Many US states are considering enacting laws to protect their citizens from the some of the potential perils of online dating. While it is impossible to legislate an end to broken hearts, States including California, Florida, Michigan, Ohio, Virginia and Texas are looking at ways to lessen the risk a user may end up on dates with felons or those already married. New York already regulates the practice as an aspect of consumer protection law. Regulations being considered range from mandatory criminal background checks to simply requiring web sites to feature warnings to users that background checks have not been conducted. Concerns about such proposed legislation abound, however, including the concern that background checks may create a false sense of security for users and create liability for the online dating company. For more information and views on this topic visit these two sites: http://www.law.com/jsp/article.jsp?id=1158915928398; and http://writ.news.findlaw.com/ramasastry/20060928.html For an outline of New York State law and regulation, visit: http://www.consumer.state.ny.us/clahm/clahm-dating_services.htm Summary by: Sue Diaz