Law boosts safety of internet dating
I am writing to express my appreciation for State Rep. Michelle Mussman’s efforts to secure increased Internet dating safety. Senate Bill 2545 would give people the information they need to make smart, safe choices for themselves regarding Internet dating and I thank Rep. Mussman and her colleagues in the General Assembly for taking up such important legislation.
As an advocate for women and public safety issues in my community, I personally know the dangers of Internet dating that most people never consider. That is why I support legislation sponsored by Rep. Mussman that would require online sites to clearly disclose whether or not they perform background checks of their users.
Internet dating is no longer taboo; every day, millions of people use Internet dating sites with the hopes of making a lasting connection with someone. Unfortunately, there are also countless testimonies of online dating users who have been sexually assaulted and harmed on a “date” with someone they had met on an online dating site. Many people just assume that background checks are the norm on these sites, when in fact they are the exception. I am personally a victim of an Internet predator.
A little bit more protection would go a long way toward making Internet dating safer for everyone. Rep. Mussman’s bill is a great stride in the right direction and I urge members of the General Assembly and the governor to sign the bill into law.
Alane Chase
Grayslake,