The American Senate is considering bringing in new laws which would require checks on anyone posting on online dating sites, reports AP. The laws, which would cover the state of Michigan, are being backed by dating site True.com, which claims it's the only one to offer background checks. Naturally, then, it has a vested interest in ensuring only those sorts of sites are allowed to operate in the state - with similar legislation being proposed in California, Florida, Ohio, Texas and Virginia.
Of course, the laws aren't really intended to ensure people don't lie on their online profiles or post fake pictures. There is a more serious side - it would require sites to reveal whether they had caried out criminal screening on potential dates. True.com insists there have been incidents where people have been shot, stabbed or scammed by dates they met online. However, rivals say the law would be useless - as people could simply provide a fake name to get around the checks.
A Senate panel has voted 4-3 to pass the bill onto the full chamber for debate and it could now vote in April. For Sandie Cornillie, though, it's just a waste of time. The 46-year-old said she preferred finding dates online as it was less intimidating, more convenient and arguably safer. "It's a very safe way of getting to know someone before we meet face to face," said Cornillie, who has tried online dating for five years. "I haven't met any rapists or any crazy people. It's kind of up to you to be careful."
View: AP Coverage
View: True.com
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