It's Okay to Look... if You Want to Die

David Weigel | January 15, 2008

More sex offender panic legislation, this time from the Garden State, and this time focusing a little on those notorious dens of abuse and intrigue, personals sites.

Bill S-1977, known as the “Internet Dating Safety Act” will require online dating websites to take more responsibility in fostering safe practices. The sites will be required to clearly post whether or not they provide online background checks of all participants. The new law also requires online dating websites to post a list of safety awareness tips.

“Internet dating companies bear a responsibility to their customers to provide basic screening to weed out threatening individuals,” said [State Sen. President Richard] Codey (D). “At the very least, Internet daters should at least know whether or not their chosen Web service provides such screening. This will open a lot of people’s eyes to the dangerous aspects of Internet dating.”

Another bill creates a mandatory minimum for "creeps."