 The legislation would require online dating websites to tell
customers if criminal background checks are done before they can
start using the sites. Dating websites also will have to post safety
tips, like suggesting users not list their home addresses, The
Chicago Tribune reported (http://trib.in/AkeJ9E)
Thursday. Other states, including Texas and New Jersey, have online
dating legislation.If companies don't follow the law they face
fines of up to $50,000.
Similar Illinois House legislation seeking to regulate online
dating stalled six years ago.
State Sen. Ira Silverstein, a Chicago Democrat, said his
legislation would give consumer protection measures to dating sites.
State Rep. Michelle Mussman, a Democrat from Schaumburg, introduced
the other bill this week.
"They're offering a service," Silverstein said. "There should be
some due diligence."
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However, State Rep. Jim Sacia, a Republican from Pecatonica and
former FBI agent, said he would oppose the proposal unless online
dating services said they would use background checks done by law
enforcement.
"My greatest fear would be the false sense of security," Sacia
said.
Two well-known online dating websites, Match.com and eHarmony,
said they screen subscribers against public sex offender registries.
[Associated Press]
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