Bill > SB957

This bill requires online dating services, defined as businesses offering dating, matrimonial, or social referral services primarily online, to create and implement a safety policy. This policy must detail prohibited content and conduct, including threats to public or personal safety, and outline whether and how the service conducts criminal background screenings, verifies age, and takes action against members who violate the policy, such as suspending or barring them. The policy must also explain any appeal process for such actions and how the service notifies other members about reports of misconduct. Additionally, online dating services must provide clear guidelines for reporting misconduct, warn against false reports, inform users that non-consensual sexual conduct is illegal, and offer resources for victims of sexual assault or domestic violence in California. These safety policies must be prominently linked on the service's website and mobile app, and a summary report on member safety and compliance must be submitted annually to the Attorney General, who can take enforcement actions, including civil penalties, for violations. Furthermore, failing to adopt or publish such a safety policy is explicitly added as an unfair or deceptive trade practice under California's Consumer Legal Remedies Act, which prohibits various misleading or unfair business practices.

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB957