New Law Requires Safety Tips for Online Dating In New York

Any company offering an online dating service in New York State will have to warn their members of the risks of meeting someone for the first time.

According to a new law signed on August 31, 2010 by Governor David Paterson, The Internet Dating Safety Act requires the posting of safety tips for going out on a date with a stranger.

It is safe to say that more states will be following suit if they have not already. When you do decide to use an online dating service to meet someone, it is vital to read the service's guidelines and check your local, state and federal laws pertaining to online dating. This can be tricky, because if you live in one state, but the online dating company has its headquarters in another state or country, the laws may be different, and you may not have any recourse if something should go wrong. Most dating sites will deny any type of responsibilities or liabilities if you decide to meet someone online and you become the victim of a criminal act perpetuated by that person.

Most dating sites post rules to protect its members; unfortunately, many people fail to read those terms before signing on as a member. If you join an online dating service, always exercise common sense. Following are some simple tips to remember if you plan to meet someone for the first time:

1) Do not provide your home address, home phone number or financial information to a stranger.

2) Meet your date in a heavily populated public area, the kind of open locale where people will see you and your date. Meeting at a social event, concert or a play is a good start. The idea is not to meet someone in an isolated area.

3) After the date, do not go off with that person to his or her residence.

4) If you are going to meet someone, let a friend or relative know where you are going.

5) Do a double date. Ask a couple that you know and trust to accompany you on your first blind date. Safety in numbers is your best line of defense. You do not have to tell your date that another couple will be tagging along. Do not worry about how that person will feel. This is about protecting you. Remember, your friends are probably the best people to rely on when it comes to observing and judging someone.

6) Avoid drinking alcohol on your first date. Keep a clear head. After all, you know nothing about this individual.

7) When the date is over, have your own means of transportation.

8) Before the date ends, call someone and tell him or her that you are on your way home. Let your date hear you talking to the person on the other end. You can say, "Me and John Doe had a great evening. I am on my way and should be home in about forty-five minutes."

9) When you meet your date, and if something does not feel right, leave. You do not owe that stranger any explanations.

10) You should know who the person, you are going to meet, looks like. Avoid meeting someone whose picture you have never seen. Leave a copy of the photo with a friend or relative before you meet your date.

Source:

AM New York, September 1, 2010