Is doxing a felony?

Is Doxing a Felony?

Doxing, the act of revealing someone’s personal or private information without their consent, has become a serious concern in the digital age. With the rise of social media and online harassment, doxing has evolved into a powerful tool for individuals and groups to exact revenge, intimidate, or embarrass their targets. But is doxing a felony? In this article, we’ll delve into the legal implications of doxing and explore the various laws and regulations surrounding this practice.

What is Doxing?

Before we dive into the legal aspects, it’s essential to understand what doxing is. Doxing is the act of gathering and publicly releasing personal or private information about an individual, including but not limited to:

• Name
• Address
• Phone number
• Email address
• Social media profiles
• Employment information
• Family members’ information

This information is often obtained through various means, such as hacking, social engineering, or simply searching public records. Doxing can be done for various reasons, including:

• Revenge
• Harassment
• Intimidation
• Embarrassment
• Financial gain

Is Doxing a Felony?

The answer to this question is complex and depends on the jurisdiction. In the United States, doxing is not a specific crime, but it can be considered a form of identity theft, harassment, or stalking, which are all felonies. Here are some examples:

• Identity Theft: In California, identity theft is a felony punishable by up to 4 years in prison (Cal. Penal Code § 530.5). Similarly, in New York, identity theft is a Class E felony punishable by up to 4 years in prison (N.Y. Penal Law § 190.77).
• Harassment: In New Jersey, harassment is a disorderly persons offense punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000 (N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4). In Florida, harassment is a misdemeanor of the second degree punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500 (Fla. Stat. Ann. § 784.048).
• Stalking: In California, stalking is a felony punishable by up to 4 years in prison (Cal. Penal Code § 646.9). In Texas, stalking is a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison (Tex. Penal Code § 42.072).

International Laws and Regulations

While doxing is not a specific crime in many countries, it can still be considered a violation of privacy, data protection, and cybercrime laws. Here are some examples:

• European Union: The EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) protects individuals’ personal data and prohibits the processing of sensitive information without consent. Doxing can be considered a violation of the GDPR, punishable by fines of up to €20 million or 4% of the organization’s global annual turnover.
• Canada: The Canadian Criminal Code prohibits unauthorized use of computer systems, which can include doxing. Violations can result in fines and imprisonment for up to 10 years.
• Australia: The Australian Privacy Act 1988 prohibits the disclosure of personal information without consent. Doxing can be considered a violation of the act, punishable by fines of up to AU$360,000.

Table: Doxing Laws and Regulations

Conclusion

In conclusion, doxing is not a specific crime in many jurisdictions, but it can be considered a form of identity theft, harassment, or stalking, which are all felonies. The laws and regulations surrounding doxing are complex and vary by jurisdiction. It’s essential to understand the legal implications of doxing and the consequences of engaging in this harmful practice.