A Los Angeles-based “dating group” page for children as young as eight years old was recently uncovered on Facebook by the popular X account Libs of TikTok.
The group is called “Dating Group for People 8-15” and advertises itself as an American group to “make new friends, to find a Date or to find a Bestie.” The group states that “LGBT Teens” are welcome in the group.
As a prerequisite to group entry, minors are required to make a brief introduction post including identifying information and a picture of themselves.
“Upon entering the group you are required to make an introduction post with AGE and a PHOTO of you,” the group rules read. “Your very first post MUST include, PHOTO, AGE, If [you] refuse to make an introduction post in the group page, you can be removed from this group. And remember your post must have your age and a picture of you, thank you.”
Chaya Raichik, the creator of the Libs of TikTok account, posted photos of members of the dating group who appear far older than 15 years old. One member, Dominic Clark, dons facial hair and a beard. Another member, Emmanuel Gabo, is bald with a beard.
Libs of TikTok reported the group to Facebook, though the social media giant claims it doesn’t violate the organization’s community standards. Many people online noted that Facebook claims to have an age limit of 13, meaning 8-year-olds should be unable to have a Facebook account to engage in online Facebook dating groups.
The online dating group for minors was uncovered shortly after Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill into law banning children under the age of 14 from using social media platforms. The legislation mandates that 14 and 15-year-olds obtain consent from parents before using social media platforms. Under this new state law, Facebook dating groups for minors would be untenable.
