CRIME, POLICE + COURTS

Utah bill may make online dating apps safer

Mar 3, 2022, 1:00 PM | Updated: Dec 30, 2022, 11:21 am

dating apps...

A top researcher on sexual assault says many cases of dating app violence go unreported. Dr. Valentine calls dating apps "digital hunting grounds." (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) Utah lawmakers want to require dating apps to warn their users on dangers of online dating.

(Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah lawmakers are considering a bill to make online dating apps a little safer.

HB352 would require apps warn users about the dangers of online dating. That includes encouraging safe practices and asking users to report when someone has committed a crime, like sexual assault. 

“If I have one person that logs onto that dating website and they see those standards there, and they review them, we might save one person’s life,” Rep. Angela Romero, D-Salt Lake City said. 

Romero started working on this years ago. She said she was approached two years ago by The Match Group, who own apps Tinder, Hinge, OKCupid and others. But they weren’t able to get something on the books then. 

But this year, she was also approached by the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office on the same issue. 

Darcy Goddard, Chief Policy Advisor at Salt Lake County DA’s Office, told the House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee that the apps would also be required to send notifications to users who have been talking with fraudsters. 

“And they’ve been banned from the website after engaging in some sort of fraudulent activity where they’re trying to get money from another user,” Goddard said. 

Apps would also be required to ban users who are involved in criminal cases for crimes like fraud or sexual assaults.

Utah lawmakers gave the bill unanimous support in the House, with no votes against. 

Related: Bill would create exemptions under stalking laws, concerns raised

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Crime, Police + Courts

Exclusive video obtained by KSL NewsRadio shows Salt Lake hit-and-run in the Avenues neighborhood. ...

Eric Cabrera

WATCH: Exclusive video shows woman survives Salt Lake City hit and run

KSL NewsRadio has exclusively obtained footage of a Salt Lake City hit-and-run, where a woman was struck while out for a run in the Avenues.

11 hours ago

Defense attorney John Prior questions David Warwick during Chad Daybell's preliminary hearing in Fr...

Emma Keddington

Judge orders gag order for upcoming Chad Daybell case

Judge Steven Boyce has issued a gag order in the Chad Daybell case, after Daybell's attorney spoke with a media outlet.

12 hours ago

12 year old driver shown driving erratically on freeway...

Sam Herrera

WATCH: Police release dash cam footage of 12-year-old driver

The Utah Highway Patrol said the 12-year-old driver stole her mom's car. The girl was briefly arrested before being released to her parents.

14 hours ago

(Eric Cabrera, KSL NewsRadio)...

Simone Seikaly

Possible carjacking in West Valley City leads to car fire, ramp closure

The UHP said a car was following another car eastbound on the 201 and moved onto the ramp toward NB I-15 when one car rolled and caught fire.

15 hours ago

(Loren Richardson via KSL.com)...

Simone Seikaly

Brighton resident charged with aggravated assault for confronting snowboarder

According to court documents, and based on witness accounts, Brighton resident Keith Robert Stebbings threatened a snowboarder with a shotgun.

15 hours ago

IRS texts are bogus. Picture shows a sign saying "warning, scam alert" on a keyboard...

Britt Johnson

Millions to be paid for Utah’s largest real estate scheme settlement

Over $10 million in refunds will go to victims of a Utah-based real estate scheme following the settlement of a lawsuit.

1 day ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Utah bill may make online dating apps safer