New Jersey § 56:8-171
Full text of New Jersey New Jersey Statutes § 56:8-171, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 56:8-171.
An Internet dating service offering services to New Jersey members shall: a. Provide safety awareness notification that includes, at minimum, a list and description
of safety measures reasonably designed to increase awareness of safer dating practices
as determined by the service. Examples of such notifications include: (1) “Anyone who is able to commit identity theft can also falsify a dating profile.” (2) “There is no substitute for acting with caution when communicating with any stranger
who wants to meet you.” (3) “Never include your last name, e-mail address, home address, phone number, place
of work, or any other identifying information in your Internet profile or initial
e-mail messages. Stop communicating with anyone who pressures you for personal or financial information
or attempts in any way to trick you into revealing it.” (4) “If you choose to have a face-to-face meeting with another member, always tell
someone in your family or a friend where you are going and when you will return. Never agree to be picked up at your home. Always provide your own transportation to and from your date and meet in a public
place with many people around.” b. If an Internet dating service does not conduct criminal background screenings on
its members, the service shall disclose, clearly and conspicuously, to all New Jersey
members that the Internet dating service does not conduct criminal background screenings. The disclosure shall be provided in two or more of the following forms: when an
electronic mail message is sent or received by a New Jersey member, in a “click-through”
or other similar presentation requiring a member from this State to acknowledge that
they have received the information required by this act, 1 on the profile describing a member to a New Jersey member, and on the web-site pages
or homepage of the Internet dating service used when a New Jersey member signs up. A disclosure under this subsection shall be in bold, capital letters in at least
12-point type. c. If an Internet dating service conducts criminal background screenings on all of
its communicating members, then the service shall disclose, clearly and conspicuously,
to all New Jersey members that the Internet dating service conducts a criminal background
screening on each member prior to permitting a New Jersey member to communicate with
another member. The disclosure shall be provided on the website pages used when a New Jersey member
signs up. A disclosure under this subsection shall be in bold, capital letters in at least
12-point type. d. If an Internet dating service conducts criminal background screenings, then the
service shall disclose whether it has a policy allowing a member who has been identified
as having a criminal conviction to have access to its service to communicate with
any New Jersey member; shall state that criminal background screenings are not foolproof;
that they may give members a false sense of security; that they are not a perfect
safety solution; that criminals may circumvent even the most sophisticated search
technology; that not all criminal records are public in all states and not all databases
are up to date; that only publicly available convictions are included in the screening;
and that screenings do not cover other types of convictions or arrests or any convictions
from foreign countries. 1
L.2007, C. 272 (N.J.S.A. § 56:8-168 et seq.).
Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey § 56:8-171
What does New Jersey Statutes § 56:8-171 cover?
Section 56:8-171 is part of the New Jersey Statutes, the codified statutory law of New Jersey. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite New Jersey § 56:8-171?
A common citation format is "New Jersey Statutes § 56:8-171" (New Jersey). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of New Jersey law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Jersey official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Jersey attorney.
How does New Jersey § 56:8-171 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Jersey can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New Jersey.