Legal Question in Criminal Law in New York

Responsibility of chat lines for age verification

Can someone please provide info on the legal obligation of chat lines to verify the age of its users? Especially in a situation where an underage girl posed as being over 18 yrs old, lied when met in person and criminal charges occurred following an encounter - the male believed that the girl was over 18.

Are there any relevant laws or bills in this area of liability? Are you aware of any groups supporting/lobbying for such requirements?


Asked on 11/13/05, 12:19 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Andrew Nitzberg Andrew Nitzberg & Associates

Re: Responsibility of chat lines for age verification

Its remarkable, but our laws, constitution, and way of life use the 'honor system' when it comes to issues of stautory rape, pornography, and endangering the welfare of a minor.

While its important not to overreact, there is an obvious need for legislation to require adult identification for access to certain web sites. perhaps parents could register as the responsible parent and then give permission to the minor. That would filter out many predators.

I support your suggestion that this needs loking into.

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Answered on 11/13/05, 11:23 pm


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