The case demonstrated that the use of an online form with some multiple choice selections does not override the protections against liability for the actions of users or anonymous members of a Web-based service.

email autoresponder in the profile to provide her physical address and telephone number in response to queries.

Due to Matchmaker's initial refusal to remove the profile after they had been made aware of its existence, Masterson sued the company in California state court on the grounds of defamation of character, misappropriation of the right of publicity, invasion of privacy and negligence.

The defendants removed the case to federal district court and brought a motion for summary judgment.

Under the Communications Decency Act, "interactive computer services" do not incur liability because users create the actual content.