No. Doxxing—publicly revealing someone’s private information with intent to harass or harm—violates Massachusetts criminal and civil laws. The state criminalizes stalking, harassment, and cyberstalking under MGL c.265 §43 and c.269 §14A, while local ordinances like Boston’s 2024 Public Safety Ordinance impose additional penalties for targeted disclosures. Victims may pursue tort claims for invasion of privacy or emotional distress, with damages escalating under 2026 legislative proposals targeting digital abuse.
Key Regulations for Doxxing in Massachusetts
- MGL c.265 §43 (Stalking/Harassment): Prohibits repeated, unwanted contact or disclosure of personal data with intent to intimidate, punish, or coerce. Penalties include up to 2.5 years in jail and fines up to $1,000.
- MGL c.269 §14A (Cyberstalking): Criminalizes electronic communications that cause fear or emotional distress, including doxxing. First offenders face up to 1 year imprisonment; subsequent violations escalate to felony charges.
- Local Ordinances (e.g., Boston 2024): Municipalities may impose additional restrictions, such as mandatory reporting to law enforcement for doxxing incidents involving public officials or minors, with penalties including civil fines up to $5,000 per violation.
Enforcement prioritizes intent and harm, with 2026 amendments expanding protections for marginalized groups and clarifying liability for social media platforms hosting doxxing content. Victims should document evidence and report to the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Cybercrime Unit or local police.