Safer Dating? Bill would require criminal checks by Dating Services.

In New Jersey the Senate Budget Committee advanced a proposal to require online dating services to tell customers whether criminal background screenings are carried out on members. Other states have considered this but none have passed any laws. The main reason no laws have been passed is it could mislead people into feeling secure when background screening only shows who has been a criminal and not someone who may be a criminal.

The only dating service at the moment that I am aware of that performs criminal background checks is True.com. While this does obviously point to people who are more likely to commit crimes, it could lead people to feel perfectly safe and therefore let down their guard. This is a tool that helps you be safe but, you should still be just as careful as when going on any other date. Read our article 10 Tips on having a fun and safe first date. for some useful tips on being safe when dating online.

There are also independent services available online that allow you to perform criminal background checks. SafeDate and Check Your Dates Past are such sites and for a small fee will do a criminal background check for you on anyone. So if you have any doubt or worries about someone you are communicating online with, these services maybe worthwhile for you.

Read the full news article here on the Safer Dating Bill.