HB 5427
To prohibit the malicious publication of personally identifiable information with intent to harass, intimidate, threaten, stalk, or facilitate harm.
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill, the "Anti-Doxxing and Privacy Protection Act," aims to protect individuals from harm caused by the malicious publication of their personal information, often referred to as "doxxing." It prohibits the intentional release of identifying details with the intent to harass, intimidate, threaten, or facilitate harm, and establishes criminal and civil penalties for those who violate the law. The bill also includes provisions for removing personal information from government records when there’s a credible safety risk.
Key provisions
- Prohibits the malicious publication of personally identifiable information (PII) without consent when done with intent to cause harm.
- Establishes criminal penalties, including fines and jail time, for doxxing offenses, with enhanced penalties for targeting specific professions.
- Creates civil remedies allowing victims to seek injunctions, damages, and attorney fees.
- Provides a mechanism for individuals to request the redaction of PII from government records if a safety risk is demonstrated.
- Defines key terms like "doxxing" and "personally identifiable information" to clarify the scope of the law.
- Excludes lawful disclosures made under Freedom of Information Acts and court orders.
- Allows for news reporting and academic research on matters of public concern, provided it doesn’t facilitate harm.
- Requires state and local government agencies to establish procedures for redaction requests.
Who is affected
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