The world of online dating has taken a dramatic turn over the last several years. It used to require setting up elaborate and detailed accounts through match. The very thought of using these websites likely seemed foreign or a little bit strange to many at the time. Now, having one of the many easy-to-use dating apps on your phone is commonplace. Many of these apps do not require you to provide legitimate verification of your age or personal information. The younger generation now has easy access to meeting complete strangers through simple apps such as these.
Therein lies the problem. The law has not caught up to the ease at which sexting is done. With the click of your finger, you can easily and frequently send a nude photo to another person. If you are an adult, engaging in sexting puts you at risk for sending these graphic images to a minor. Since you cannot be certain how old the other person is through these dating apps, you should avoid exchanging nude or sexually suggestive images altogether. Under California Penal Code Section The last thing you want to do is to find yourself facing criminal charges for arranging to meet with a minor with the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct.
Solicitation of a minor is a serious crime in California. Under Penal Code Section In addition, if you and the minor live in different states, and you arrange to meet with the minor with the intent to engage in sexual activity, you are exposed to facing federal charges. The consequences for facing federal prosecution are more harsh and more expensive.
You do not even have to commit the sexual act for charges to be brought against you. Simply using the Internet to meet up with a minor could be enough to warrant a felony charge. Clearly, if their response is that they are 17 or younger, you should end all communication immediately. If a minor disguises himself or herself as an adult, you are not completely off the hook.
However, it is your responsibility as an adult to leave no stone unturned when trying to find the true age of someone who you wish to engage in any sort of relationship. This clearly goes without saying, but it is equally important in the world of online dating. The act of stalking under California Penal Code Section Cyberstalking can be either a felony or a misdemeanor.
