Online connections are common—people join groups, play games and form friendships online. However, these online interactions can present risks. One such risk is unknowingly communicating with minors, which can lead to legal trouble.
In Minnesota and North Dakota, laws regarding online communication with minors are complex and can potentially put adults at risk.
How this happens
Online interactions can sometimes make it hard to tell someone’s real age. Several things can lead to an adult unknowingly communicating with a minor, including:
- Misrepresentation of age: Minors sometimes create fake online profiles and lie about their age to join websites or talk to adults they wouldn’t normally be able to contact. They might use old photos or make up stories about their lives to seem older.
- Lack of verification: Many websites and apps don’t have good ways to check people’s ages. This makes it easy for minors to create profiles and talk to adults without being noticed. Even websites that ask for your age can be tricked.
- Online gaming and communities: Online games and groups often have people of different ages playing together. When people are talking or texting during games, it can be easy for a minor to hide their age.
- Relationships that slowly develop: Online relationships often grow over time. A minor might start by pretending to be older and only reveal their true age after becoming close to someone. If this happens, it’s crucial to stop all communication immediately and consider reporting the situation to the appropriate authorities.
Authorities take online interactions with minors very seriously. The consequences can be severe in both Minnesota and North Dakota.
Consequences of continuing communication after discovery
In Minnesota, communicating with a minor with sexual intent can result in felony charges. The penalties can include up to three years in prison and fines up to $5,000. North Dakota has similar laws, with penalties that can include up to five years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Both states may require sex offender registration upon conviction.
It’s very important to be vigilant online and immediately cease communication if you suspect you’re interacting with a minor. Continuing communication after discovering their true age can land you in trouble with the law.