Bill > S00778

This bill amends the New York General Business Law to enhance consumer protections for online dating services and social referral services. The bill introduces several key provisions, including limiting the total contract cost to $1,000, prohibiting mandatory ancillary services, and establishing a consumer bill of rights. Specifically, the bill requires dating services to provide users with the ability to place their membership on hold for up to one year, mandates clear cancellation policies with a three-business-day window to cancel without penalty, and requires services to protect users' personal information. The bill also introduces new requirements for handling fraud bans, such as notifying members about banned users who may pose a risk of fraud, and provides mechanisms for users to seek legal recourse if a service violates the contract. Additionally, the bill defines key terms like "social referral service," "online dating service," and "personally identifying information," and establishes guidelines for how these services must handle user data, including requirements to return or destroy personal information at the end of a contract. The legislation aims to create more transparent, fair, and consumer-friendly practices in the online dating service industry, giving users more control and protection when using these platforms.

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S778