Speak Out: Should Online Dating Sites Run Background Checks On Users?

When it comes to Internet dating, a little fibbing is par for the course.

Maybe someone shaves off a few pounds when they describe themselves. Maybe your profile picture was taken 10 years ago.

But some legislators want to make sure users of Internet dating sites aren't lying about their criminal record.

Last year, the Illinois Senate passed legislation requiring online dating sites to clearly tell users whether they perform criminal background checks on prospective members

The bill's sponsor, Sen. Ira Silverstein, told the Chicago Tribune that such sites have a duty to protect their users.

The legislation also stipulates that:

Dating services that tell users they conduct background checks to use government databases, including criminal court records and sex offender registries.

The sites must also clearly state whether or not they allow someone with a criminal record to join their sites.

They must also post online safety tips.

Sites could face fines of up to $50,000 if they don't comply with Illinois' regulations.

Speak Out: What do you think about this? Should other states police online dating sites? Or is it up to the consumer to weed out the frogs from the princes?

Tell us in the comments!