New Jersey bill creates criminal penalties for doxxing individuals online

Original title: Establishes crime of doxxing.

Last action · January 13, 2026: Introduced, Referred to Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology CommitteeSponsors: Gary Schaer and 20 others

Companion · S 2174same policy, Senate version

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What This Bill Would Do

A new New Jersey bill establishes the criminal offense of doxxing, making it illegal to knowingly disclose another person's personal identifying information without consent via electronic devices or social media with the intent to cause physical harm, stalking, or severe .

Why it matters

Residents face up to 3 to 5 years in prison and $15,000 in fines if an online disclosure of personal information leads to physical harm or stalking, while fourth-degree violations carry up to 18 months in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Who It Would Affect

Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Social Media Users

Individuals using electronic devices or social networking sites face criminal liability if they improperly disclose personal identifying information of others.

Directly affected

Elected Public Officials and Law Enforcement Officers

The bill provides a rebuttable presumption against unlawful intent when information about these officials is disclosed in good faith regarding unlawful conduct or abuse of authority.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

What actions constitute the crime of doxxing under this bill?

Doxxing occurs when someone knowingly discloses another person's personal identifying information without consent via an electronic device or social media, with the purpose to subject that person or a close relation to unlawful force, violence, stalking, physical restraint, or , or to cause reasonable fear for safety.

Are there exemptions for reporting police misconduct or engaging in free speech?

Yes. The bill establishes a that an actor did not act with unlawful intent if the information was disclosed primarily to report in good faith unlawful conduct by elected public officials or law enforcement officers, or to engage in constitutionally protected speech, assembly, press, or petition.

What are the criminal penalties for doxxing?

Doxxing is a , carrying up to 18 months in prison and a $10,000 fine. If the disclosure results in serious bodily injury, physical harm, or stalking, it is elevated to a , punishable by 3 to 5 years in prison and a $15,000 fine.

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Where This Stands

Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.

Procedural history

1 action

Jan 13, 2026HouseIntroduced
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee

Version history

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