Bill > S1252

This bill establishes a legal right to protection from "doxing", which is defined as intentionally disclosing someone's personal identifying information without their consent, with the purpose of causing fear, stalking, physical harm, or serious property damage. The bill provides a comprehensive definition of key terms like "personal identifying information" (which includes things like home address, phone numbers, biometric data, and financial account details) and "close relation" (which encompasses family members, household residents, and significant personal connections). Under this proposed law, victims of doxing can pursue a civil lawsuit seeking injunctive relief, damages, and attorneys' fees, with the burden of proof requiring a preponderance of evidence. The bill includes important exceptions for disclosures made for legitimate purposes such as reporting potential crimes, addressing public concerns, or engaging in constitutionally protected activities. Additionally, if the doxing is proven to be motivated by bias related to characteristics like race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability, the plaintiff may be entitled to up to triple the standard damages. Parents or legal guardians would be liable for judgments against unemancipated minors who engage in doxing. The bill represents a legal effort to protect individuals from malicious online harassment and potential real-world harm resulting from unauthorized personal information disclosure.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1252