The “Internet Dating Safety Act,” sponsored by Senate President Richard J. Codey and Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein was signed by Governor Jon Corzine yesterday.

The legislation (S1977) arms consumers with valuable information by requiring Internet dating companies to disclose the extent of their safety measures, such as if they do or do not conduct background screenings on members who are seeking to date each other. Doing so allows consumers to make more informed decisions regarding the online dating provider they choose to use.

“People who turn to the Internet to build new friendships and relationships deserve peace of mind that the person with whom they wish to form a connection is who they claim to be,” said Assemblywoman Greenstein (Middlesex/Mercer). “This legislation is a needed step toward protecting the public from the violent offenders who have found access to countless new potential victims online.”

The need for this legislation is clear: Online dating consumers often mistakenly believe that because they are paying for a service, their online dating company provides some form of background screening or other safety precautions. This mistaken belief can have disastrous results. The new law gives consumers information they need to better make decisions on their safety.

“Millions of Americans look to online dating services everyday as a quick, easy and what they believe to be a safe way to meet new friends or find a partner,” said Laura A. Ahearn, Executive Director of Parents for Megan’s Law and the Crime Victims Center. “Without regulation, sexual predators are using the profiles in these sites as shopping lists to target single women with children. The Internet Dating Safety Act provides the one crucial element to minimize victimization — information. New Jersey lawmakers are to be commended for keeping our most vulnerable safe, and every state in the nation should follow their lead.”

Although some online dating sites have already posted minimal safety information in obscure areas on their websites only True.com, one of the largest online dating service providers, and a founding member of SODA, conducts background screenings of its members before allowing them to reach out to others on their site.

Lawmakers in several other states, including New York, Pennsylvania, and Florida have also expressed interest in pursuing similar legislation. New Jersey’s historic first step to improving the safety of its citizens will likely encourage more lawmakers and concerned consumers to seek similar protections in their states.

The bill passed in the Senate by a vote of 37-0 and the Assembly by a vote of 77-0. The law takes effect 120 days after enactment, but online dating companies can choose to comply prior to the effective date.