{"id":9050,"date":"2024-02-01T13:55:23","date_gmt":"2024-02-01T18:55:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/?post_type=doxxing&#038;p=9050"},"modified":"2024-09-30T10:02:12","modified_gmt":"2024-09-30T14:02:12","slug":"doxxing-jail-time-what-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"doxxing","link":"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/doxxing\/doxxing-jail-time\/","title":{"rendered":"Doxxing Jail Time: What You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><nav><ul><li><a href=\"#is-doxxing-illegal\">Is Doxxing Illegal?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#doxxing-jail-time\">Doxxing Jail Time<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#doxxing-related-activities-jail-time\">Doxxing-Related Activities Jail Time\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#how-does-doxxing-happen\">How Does Doxxing Happen?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#becoming-undoxxable\">Becoming Undoxxable<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you know about the dangers that can come from being doxxed, you might wonder: Can doxxing someone lead to jail time?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/doxxing\/what-is-doxxing-how-to-protect-against-it\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">doxxing<\/a> isn\u2019t illegal everywhere, it does lead to jail time in some places, and it can certainly lead to other illegal activities. Read on as we review when (and where) doxxing is illegal, along with what other criminal behaviors are related to doxxing.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"is-doxxing-illegal\">Is Doxxing Illegal?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Doxxing, or the act of publishing someone else\u2019s personal data online without their permission, is <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/doxxing\/is-doxxing-illegal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">not illegal<\/a> at the federal level in the United States.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, a growing number of states, including <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/doxxing\/is-doxxing-illegal\/is-doxxing-illegal-in-california\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">California<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/doxxing\/is-doxxing-illegal\/is-doxxing-illegal-in-illinois\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Illinois<\/a>, have made doxxing illegal, meaning perpetrators could expect jail time there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, some states have situation-specific laws that <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/doxxing\/is-doxxing-illegal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">make doxxing illegal<\/a>. In Colorado, for example, doxxing an educator or healthcare worker is a crime, while in Oklahoma, doxxing a law enforcement officer is treated as a criminal act.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even if doxxing itself is not illegal where you live, there are other activities related to doxxing that could fit the bill for criminality, including harassment and stalking. If someone is doxxing you, chances are, they may also be committing associated crimes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"doxxing-jail-time\">Doxxing Jail Time<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In states where doxxing is not illegal, jail time is generally not a factor (outside of the perpetrator committing other related crimes).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In states that have criminalized doxxing, the penalty is usually a misdemeanor, meaning the jail time involved will usually vary between six months and a year. In most states where doxxing is illegal, perpetrators could also (or, in some cases, instead) be punished with a fine (typically between $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the state you live in).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/doxxing\/is-doxxing-illegal\/is-doxxing-illegal-in-texas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Texas<\/a>, where doxxing is defined as sharing someone\u2019s home address or phone number on a website that\u2019s publicly accessible with the intent of causing harm. Doxxing someone in Texas can result in up to six months in jail and\/or a fine of up to $2,000. If the victim sustains bodily injury as a result of the doxxing, then the penalty increases to up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/doxxing\/is-doxxing-illegal\/is-doxxing-illegal-in-arizona\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Arizona<\/a>, the penalty for distributing someone\u2019s personal information with the intent to harass or cause them harm is up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"312\" src=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/lw5a-wMbrTTEBtZ7NkdONc-xIK7-E_qAzEhxKdp-JwMRZQcVw3jQTPuqQjvLfyVqBwkEQtjemdn2ad9JEWkWt0UPohTBkzUMqMxgoJaGyASaaHQr9Od_6i57tRo9GP3Dt4cfZmXwaDLcldiF4nc9rOQ-1024x312.png\" alt=\"Arizona doxxing law\" class=\"wp-image-9051\" srcset=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/lw5a-wMbrTTEBtZ7NkdONc-xIK7-E_qAzEhxKdp-JwMRZQcVw3jQTPuqQjvLfyVqBwkEQtjemdn2ad9JEWkWt0UPohTBkzUMqMxgoJaGyASaaHQr9Od_6i57tRo9GP3Dt4cfZmXwaDLcldiF4nc9rOQ-1024x312.png 1024w, https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/lw5a-wMbrTTEBtZ7NkdONc-xIK7-E_qAzEhxKdp-JwMRZQcVw3jQTPuqQjvLfyVqBwkEQtjemdn2ad9JEWkWt0UPohTBkzUMqMxgoJaGyASaaHQr9Od_6i57tRo9GP3Dt4cfZmXwaDLcldiF4nc9rOQ-300x92.png 300w, https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/lw5a-wMbrTTEBtZ7NkdONc-xIK7-E_qAzEhxKdp-JwMRZQcVw3jQTPuqQjvLfyVqBwkEQtjemdn2ad9JEWkWt0UPohTBkzUMqMxgoJaGyASaaHQr9Od_6i57tRo9GP3Dt4cfZmXwaDLcldiF4nc9rOQ-768x234.png 768w, https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/lw5a-wMbrTTEBtZ7NkdONc-xIK7-E_qAzEhxKdp-JwMRZQcVw3jQTPuqQjvLfyVqBwkEQtjemdn2ad9JEWkWt0UPohTBkzUMqMxgoJaGyASaaHQr9Od_6i57tRo9GP3Dt4cfZmXwaDLcldiF4nc9rOQ-1536x468.png 1536w, https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/lw5a-wMbrTTEBtZ7NkdONc-xIK7-E_qAzEhxKdp-JwMRZQcVw3jQTPuqQjvLfyVqBwkEQtjemdn2ad9JEWkWt0UPohTBkzUMqMxgoJaGyASaaHQr9Od_6i57tRo9GP3Dt4cfZmXwaDLcldiF4nc9rOQ.png 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>California considers doxxing illegal if it is done to harass someone or if it leads to unwanted physical contact or injury. In those instances, the penalty is up to a year in jail and\/or a $1,000 fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the other hand, <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/doxxing\/is-doxxing-illegal\/is-doxxing-illegal-in-minnesota\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Minnesota<\/a> only considers doxxing to be illegal when the victim is a law enforcement officer or their family members and when it presents a serious risk to the officer or their family. The penalty for doxxing someone fitting this criterion in Minnesota is up to a year in jail and a $3,000 fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"doxxing-related-activities-jail-time\">Doxxing-Related Activities Jail Time&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Even if the state you live in hasn&#8217;t made doxxing illegal, it likely has laws that criminalize behaviors related to doxxing.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, one of the most commonly associated crimes is cyberstalking or repeatedly messaging and\/or contacting someone online. It\u2019s illegal in many states and can result in jail time (up to 12 months in <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/doxxing\/is-doxxing-illegal\/is-doxxing-illegal-in-florida\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Florida<\/a> or 60 days in <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/doxxing\/is-doxxing-illegal\/is-doxxing-illegal-in-nc\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">North Carolina<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other doxxing-related activities that are typically punishable at the state level are harassment, stalking, and <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/doxxing\/what-is-doxxing-and-swatting\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">swatting<\/a> (when someone calls law enforcement to your home under false pretenses to prompt an emergency response).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of these crimes can be illegal at the federal level as well. One New York man, for example, was given a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.justice.gov\/usao-dc\/pr\/new-york-man-sentenced-24-months-prison-internet-offenses-including-doxing-swatting\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">two-year sentence<\/a> on three federal charges related to doxxing.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-does-doxxing-happen\">How Does Doxxing Happen?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In most cases, <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/doxxing\/how-does-doxxing-work\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">doxxing happens<\/a> when someone starts tracking your online movements across social media platforms, websites, and forums.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As they do so, they collect information about you, including your full name, home address, phone number, and other personal data or contact details. They can then use that information to contact you, blackmail you, or harass you.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/what-are-data-brokers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Data brokers<\/a> are a common source of information for doxxers. Data brokers are companies that collect and compile personal data into individual profiles and then sell these profiles to anyone willing to pay a small fee (in some cases, these profiles are free).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"509\" height=\"717\" src=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2nrntTXpQIE1wtFbuPptmEQXwVyZ7k1apHUzLZVmrgqXSsgmK0YSHR-1bZpS5ezBqmnnKZfFcyVIqca9ocBiIJ74tHlIxcS-UomaYwruUPNOMP3sj1jI0SO5inJfQk5m7sJI_rQY-3enS22l1KyZUOg.png\" alt=\"Data broker profile\" class=\"wp-image-9052\" style=\"width:347px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2nrntTXpQIE1wtFbuPptmEQXwVyZ7k1apHUzLZVmrgqXSsgmK0YSHR-1bZpS5ezBqmnnKZfFcyVIqca9ocBiIJ74tHlIxcS-UomaYwruUPNOMP3sj1jI0SO5inJfQk5m7sJI_rQY-3enS22l1KyZUOg.png 509w, https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2nrntTXpQIE1wtFbuPptmEQXwVyZ7k1apHUzLZVmrgqXSsgmK0YSHR-1bZpS5ezBqmnnKZfFcyVIqca9ocBiIJ74tHlIxcS-UomaYwruUPNOMP3sj1jI0SO5inJfQk5m7sJI_rQY-3enS22l1KyZUOg-213x300.png 213w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 509px) 100vw, 509px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Finding your profile is easy. All someone needs to do is go to a data broker website and type in your name\/username, email address\/home address\/phone number.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fortunately, you can <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/opt-out-guides\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">opt out<\/a> of data brokers, but be aware that you will need to repeat the process whenever the data broker uncovers new information about you (as your profile will be reactivated).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alternatively, you can subscribe to a <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">data broker removal service like DeleteMe<\/a>. Our privacy experts will continuously opt you out of data broker databases on your behalf so you can spend your time elsewhere.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"becoming-undoxxable\">Becoming Undoxxable<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Ultimately, if your goal is not to be doxxed, then you\u2019ll want to make yourself as undoxxable as possible.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Begin by doxxing yourself (learn how in our <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/doxxing\/a-guide-to-doxxing-yourself-on-the-internet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">guide to self-doxxing<\/a>) using these tried and true <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/doxxing\/doxxing-tools\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">doxxing tools<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you\u2019ve finished doxxing yourself, you\u2019ll know exactly where your data vulnerabilities are, and you can start putting together a plan for removing or hiding your data in those places.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For most people, you\u2019ll need to take one or more of the following steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Changing the settings on your social media posts to make them private or visible to friends only.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hiding your social media biography details from the public.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Opting out of data brokers (repeatedly) or hiring a service such as DeleteMe to handle the opt-out process for you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Using unique usernames for all of accounts, along with unique passwords (consider a password manager and\/or two-factor authentication for optimal security).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Setting up Google Alerts for your name to be notified when your data shows up online.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>To find out more, read our in-depth guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/doxxing\/how-to-prevent-doxxing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">how to prevent doxxing<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Once you know about the dangers that can come from being doxxed, you might wonder: Can doxxing someone lead to jail time?&nbsp; While doxxing isn\u2019t illegal everywhere, it does lead to jail time in some places, and it can certainly lead to other illegal activities. Read on as we review when (and where) doxxing is [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":9053,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-9050","doxxing","type-doxxing","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/doxxing\/9050","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/doxxing"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/doxxing"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9050"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/doxxing\/9050\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9053"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9050"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}