3 online date sites agree to screen for predators
Go Deeper.
Create an account or log in to save stories.
Like this?
Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.
By ROBERT JABLON
Associated Press
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Three leading online dating sites have agreed to screen for sex offenders and take other measures to protect their members after a Southern California woman was assaulted on a date.
California's attorney general on Tuesday announced the agreement with Match.com, eHarmony and Spark Networks.
She says the companies signed a joint statement of principles that include checking subscribers against national sex offender registries, providing a rapid way to report abuses and providing members with safety tips.
The statement is non-binding but the companies say they hope it will set an example for other dating sites.
Attorney general's spokeswoman Lynda Gledhill says the agreement was inspired by the case of a woman who was assaulted in 2010 by a man she met through Match.com. Alan Wurtzel had previous sexual battery convictions.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Turn Up Your Support
MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all.