NEW JERSEY – Internet hackers intentionally and maliciously publishing someone’s personal information online, an act known as ‘doxxing,’ could soon be guilty of a new crime in New Jersey.
The Assembly Judiciary Committee passed Assemblyman Robert Auth’s anti-doxxing bill (A3561) on Thursday. The legislation makes it a crime to publicly disclose home addresses, social security numbers, and private correspondence through an electronic device or social media without consent and with the intent to do harm.
“Hackers, stalkers, and domestic abusers are taking to the internet to embarrass, torment and threaten their victims. Doxxing is not only an invasion of privacy, it poses serious security risks and makes victims more susceptible to physical harm,” Auth (R-Bergen) said. “Updating our laws to reflect this new type of cybercrime ensures perpetrators will be held fully accountable for their actions and makes New Jersey’s digital spaces safer.”
While certain doxxing crimes may be currently punishable under harassment and terroristic threat statutes, Auth’s bill specifically criminalizes doxxing whether or not it results in serious injury. If a person is physically harmed, it is a third degree crime that carries three to five years in jail and up to a $15,000 fine. If there is not bodily harm, incidents would be fourth degree crimes that include up to 18 months in prison and $10,000 fines.
“This legislation protects vulnerable groups like activists, whistleblowers and domestic violence survivors from online attacks that are meant to intimidate and cause harm. It also protects their family members,” Auth said. “People with malicious intent should not be allowed to hide behind online anonymity while exposing others to danger.”
Under the bill, constitutionally protected speech, informing law enforcement or the public of a crime, and reporting on elected officials abusing power would not be considered doxxing.
