Is Doxing a Federal Crime?
Introduction
Doxing, which involves searching and revealing private information about individuals, such as their identities, addresses, and contact details, without their consent, has become a major concern in recent years. This form of cyber-bullying, harassment, or stalking can have serious consequences, including emotional distress, financial harm, and even physical threats. The question that remains is whether doxing is a federal crime.
What is Doxing?
Doxing can take many forms, including:
• Publishing personal identifiable information (PII) online without permission
• Sharing intimate images or videos without consent (revenge porn)
• Using information to make unwanted contact with individuals or harass them online
• Violating electronic privacy acts and laws
• Interfering with an individual’s ability to maintain privacy and security
Federal Laws
Doxing may be a violation of various federal laws, including:
| Law | Description |
|---|---|
| Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act (15 U.S.C. § 6824) | Makes it a federal crime to knowingly and willfully provide false or stolen information with the intent to commit an identity-related offense. |
| Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA) (18 U.S.C. § 2511) | Protects wire, oral, or electronic communications, as well as stored data, from interception and disclosure. |
| Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) (18 U.S.C. § 1030) | Criminalizes intentional access without authorization to computer systems or electronic communications, as well as intentional alteration or damage of such systems or data. |
| Stored Communications Act (SCA) (18 U.S.C. § 2701-2712) | Prohibits unauthorized access, use, or disclosure of stored communications, including email and instant messaging communications. |
Federal Doxing Crimes
While there are no specific federal laws explicitly addressing doxing, doxing-related activities may fall under several federal statutes:
| Offense | Statute | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Identity theft | 18 U.S.C. § 671(a) | Up to 15 years’ imprisonment |
| Identity fraud | 18 U.S.C. § 1028 | Up to 5 years’ imprisonment |
| Stalking | 18 U.S.C. § 2261 | Up to 5 years’ imprisonment |
| Harassment | 18 U.S.C. § 875(c) | Up to 6 months’ imprisonment |
| Cyberstalking | 18 U.S.C. § 875(i) | Up to 5 years’ imprisonment |
State Laws
While some states have their own specific laws addressing doxing, many other states have provisions that make related activities, such as stalking, harassment, and identity theft, criminal offenses:
| State | Offense | Statute | Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | ECPA Violation | California Penal Code § 2510-2519 | Up to 10 years’ imprisonment |
| Texas | Computer Trespass | Texas Penal Code § 32.01-32.02 | Up to 2 years’ imprisonment |
Doxing: A Growing Concern
The rise of doxing, particularly among individuals involved in online activities such as online gaming, cryptocurrency, and politics, has become a significant concern for law enforcement and legal professionals. In recent cases, individuals have been doxxed by hackers and white supremacists, exposing personal information that has led to threats and harassment.
Conclusion
In summary, while there is no single federal law specifically addressing doxing, various federal laws, such as identity theft, eavesdropping, and computer fraud, can apply to doxing-related activities. Many state laws also criminalize stalking, harassment, and identity theft, which may involve doxing. If you are the victim of doxing or suspect that you are the target of such an offense, it is essential to report it to the appropriate authorities, as it is a serious crime that can have significant legal and social consequences.
