By Bob Katzen

Legislation before the Judiciary Committee would ban doxing which is the knowing release of private personal identifying information of a person, without their consent, with the intent to intimidate, harass or cause stalking, physical harm or serious property damage. Currently there is no state law that makes doxing a crime.

“Doxing is a hateful act that goes far beyond violating one’s privacy,” said sponsor Sen. Becca Rausch (D-Needham). “It is used to intimidate, harass and jeopardize one’s safety. Online harassment has real-life implications and can no longer be tolerated. We need legislation to address this continual trend of online doxing and harassment, and protect citizens from experiencing such egregious behavior within the commonwealth.”