Sex Offenders and Web Dating
March 2, 2007 by gayla
Filed under Relationships
New Jersey is the first I’ve heard taking progressive steps toward creating laws that would make online dating extremely difficult for registered sex offenders.
Under the proposed legislation:
- Convicted sex offenders who are caught using the Internet will be fined up to $18,000 and sent to jail for a maximum of 18 months;
- Those convicted of sex crimes who are caught soliciting a minor for sex on the Internet will face a mandatory five-year jail sentance; and
- Web dating sites available to New Jersey residents would be required to state if they perform background checks on their members.
Personally, I find it reassuring that someone is making an effort to make online dating more safe.
What I don’t understand though is, with websites like Prison Pen Pals and Meet an Inmate, wouldn’t it seem some of these criminals would be more comfortable within their own elements?
My question to online singes is – do you think strict laws should be in place to help protect online daters from convicted criminals?
