I always start by setting the same precautions I would in real life play. Safewords, discussing limit for both, and making sure it is well understood any engagement should not come before their physical, emotional, or financial safety IRL.
I think the biggest risk engaging online-besides confirming Read more… legalities-is the emotional rollercoaster you can put people through if expectations are not up front. People come online looking for a connection, often with anonymity. Those unknowns about the person on the other side allows you to fill in what we want to imagine, creating a very rich and satisfying fantasy. For some it's a rabbit hole for dangerously strong attachment that is unseen to the other.
Play should always have an emotional responsibility to it for after care. If you've spent an hour helping someone explore boundaries, you've asked them to create a scene in their mind, so any Dominate should make sure they've done what aftercare they can. Have a signal if you have to step away from the conversation so that you don't leave that person alone wondering if they were ghosted. Make sure to check in on the afterwards remind them to rest, hydrate, and reflect. And then follow up. Communication is important in BDSM, but it's everything if you're not in the room with someone. If either of you can't agree to complete honesty and respect, then you shouldn't engage.