About

LegalFling is an application that uses block chain technology to allow sexual partners to give consent on a public digital ledger. Online, many reacted negatively to the idea of a "blanket" consent form, arguing that consent "is something that occurs continually throughout a sexual encounter."

History

LegalFling was created by the block chain LegalThings, a company that generates live contracts, a digital contracts platform.^[1] In January 2018, LegalThings announced LegalFling, a live contract app specifically sexual encounters.

Features

The app allows you to request consent from anyone of your LegalFling contacts.^[2] Much like Tinder, the app allows you two simple forms for selection. Tap an "X" for denial of consent and a heart for approval.

The app also allows you to personalize your account. As the site says, "It's up to you how far you want to take it. Set boundaries and configure your personal preferences."

Additionally, if one breaks the contract, there are penalty clauses, whcih allow the user to trigger cease and desist letter and penalty payments.

Highlights

Criticism

On January 10th, the technology website Gizmodo^[3] referred to the idea of a block chain contract for consent as "deeply flawed representation of sexual consent." They continued:

"A blanketed contract ahead of engaging in sexual contact signals that consent is simply a one-time checklist. Consent, however, is something that occurs continually throughout a sexual encounter. As RAINN points out, “Giving consent for one activity, one time, does not mean giving consent for increased or recurring sexual contact,” and someone can also withdraw their consent at any time during sexual activity. People are allowed to change their minds--swiping “okay” beforehand should not outweigh someone’s discomfort during a sexual encounter, and it should certainly not be held to a higher legal standard."

Search Interest

External References