Is Doxxing Illegal in the USA?

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Doxxing—also spelled doxing—is the malicious act of publishing private, identifiable information about an individual online without their permission. This may include home addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, or private emails. While often used to intimidate, harass, or threaten, doxxing also raises serious legal questions. So, is doxxing illegal in the USA? The answer is nuanced.

This guide unpacks the legality of doxxing across federal and state levels, outlines what legal protections exist, and explains how Defamation Defenders can help if you’ve been targeted.

Federal Law and Doxxing: Gaps and Protections

At the federal level, there is no single statute that explicitly criminalizes doxxing. However, several existing laws can be applied, depending on the circumstances of the case.

Applicable Federal Laws:

• Interstate Communications (18 U.S.C. § 875)
  Criminalizes threats transmitted via interstate commerce—including electronic communication.
• Stalking and Harassment (18 U.S.C. § 2261A)
  Criminalizes conduct that causes substantial emotional distress or fear of death/injury when done via interstate communication.
• Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA, 18 U.S.C. § 1030)
  If doxxing involves unauthorized access to information (e.g., hacking), this statute may apply.
• The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
  Includes provisions for cyberstalking that intersect with doxxing behavior.

Federal Law Limitations

The First Amendment often complicates matters. If the information is:

• True
• Publicly available
• Shared without direct threats

It may be protected speech—even if ethically questionable.

State-Level Legislation on Doxxing

As federal law offers limited recourse, state laws play a pivotal role in regulating doxxing activity. Some states have adopted laws that directly or indirectly address the issue.

States with Anti-Doxxing Laws

California

Under Penal Code § 653.2, it is a crime to post personal information with the intent to cause harassment. California also enforces strong cyberstalking and cyberharassment laws.

Texas

Texas Penal Code § 42.07 includes provisions that make online harassment and threats via exposure of private data a prosecutable offense.

Illinois

The Right to Privacy in the School Setting Act and Harassment statutes offer tools against doxxing when it occurs within school or workplace settings.

Washington

RCW 9A.90.120 criminalizes doxxing when it leads to stalking or identity theft.

Kentucky

In 2021, the state passed a law making it illegal to publish identifying information about police officers with intent to intimidate—marking a trend in tailored anti-doxxing statutes.

Legal Precedents and Doxxing-Related Cases

While precedent is limited, courts have increasingly recognized the danger of doxxing when linked with threats or harassment.

Notable Cases:

• United States v. Lori Drew (2008)
  Though centered around cyberbullying, this case brought national attention to how online acts can lead to tragic consequences.
• Doe v. The Individuals (2021)
  An anonymous victim won a restraining order and damages after being doxxed and harassed on Reddit, setting a privacy precedent.
• Elonis v. United States (2015)
  This Supreme Court decision clarified that true threats must involve intent—a key issue in doxxing cases involving free speech.

Free Speech vs. Privacy: The Constitutional Clash

Doxxing lives in the murky intersection of speech rights and privacy rights. Courts evaluate:

• Was the information lawfully obtained?
• Was the speech intended to threaten, incite, or harass?
• Is the person a public figure with limited privacy protections?

“Freedom of speech does not give anyone the right to endanger others by sharing sensitive personal data for malicious reasons.”
— Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF)

While publicly available data may be fair game in some cases, context and intent determine legality.

What Makes Doxxing a Crime?

For a doxxing incident to rise to the level of criminal conduct, several factors must usually be present:

• Intent to harass, intimidate, or incite harm
• Pattern of conduct (as in stalking)
• Disclosure of non-public, sensitive data
• Tangible harm or threat to the victim’s safety

In civil court, however, the bar is lower. Victims can sue under claims such as:

• Invasion of privacy
• Intentional infliction of emotional distress
• Defamation or false light
• Negligence and emotional harm

Psychological and Societal Impact of Doxxing

Doxxing doesn’t just compromise safety—it undermines mental well-being, employment opportunities, and public trust in online platforms.

Documented effects include:

• Anxiety and PTSD
• Relocation due to threats
• Job loss or denial of employment
• Strained personal relationships
• Public harassment or swatting incidents

The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) reports a growing correlation between doxxing and gender-based cyber abuse.

Platform Policies and Enforcement

Major tech platforms have responded to growing public pressure by updating their terms of service.

Social Media & Search Engine Stances

• Twitter/X: Bans posting of “private information,” including addresses and ID numbers.
• Facebook/Meta: Restricts doxxing content and encourages reporting via their safety center.
• Reddit: Prohibits doxxing and supports anonymous moderation.
• Google: Allows removal requests for content containing:
  • Government IDs
  • Medical records
  • Contact information used in threats

📌 Google’s Personal Info Removal Request

Doxxing Outside the United States

While this article focuses on U.S. law, it’s important to note that anti-doxxing protections are stronger abroad:

• European Union: The GDPR grants a “right to be forgotten.”
• Canada: Provincial laws protect against dissemination of personal data without consent.
• South Korea & Japan: Enforce strict cybercrime laws penalizing unauthorized data exposure.

These comparisons may influence future U.S. legislation as online threats evolve.

What to Do If You’re a Victim of Doxxing

If someone has posted your private data online without consent:

markdownCopyEdit1. Take screenshots and preserve evidence (URLs, timestamps)
2. Report the incident to the platform or website
3. File a report with your local police or cybercrime unit
4. Request content takedown through Google or the site owner
5. Contact an attorney to explore civil or criminal options

🛡️ Time is of the essence. Delays in action may escalate risk and complicate your case.

Defamation Defenders: Protecting Your Identity and Privacy

At Defamation Defenders, we offer comprehensive online privacy protection services, including:

• Investigating sources of doxxing attacks
• Issuing cease and desist letters
• Working with platforms to remove content
• Filing defamation or invasion of privacy lawsuits
• SEO strategies to suppress unwanted results

We take a holistic approach to help you regain control over your online footprint—safely, lawfully, and discreetly.

👉 Start your free defamation risk consultation now

Educational Tools and Advocacy Resources

Stay informed and empowered:

• Cyber Civil Rights Initiative
• Stop Online Violence Against Women
• Privacy Rights Clearinghouse
• National Network to End Domestic Violence

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Related Contents:

• Can You Sue Someone for Exposing You on Social Media?
• Defamation Defenders: Your Shield Against Online Invasion of Privacy
• Online Defamation vs. Free Speech: Where’s the Line?
• Practical Tips for Dealing with Doxxing Incidents

Citations

• “Cyberstalking and Harassment Laws.” U.S. Department of Justice. https://www.justice.gov

• “Is Doxxing Legal?” Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF). https://www.eff.org

• “Google Personal Info Removal.” Google Support. https://support.google.com

• “Online Abuse Statistics.” National Network to End Domestic Violence. https://www.nnedv.org

• “Cyber Civil Rights Initiative Resources.” CCRI. https://www.cybercivilrights.org