No. Doxxing—publicly revealing someone’s private information with intent to harass, threaten, or incite violence—violates Michigan’s criminal and civil laws. The state prosecutes such acts under harassment, stalking, and cyberbullying statutes, while local ordinances (e.g., Detroit’s 2024 Anti-Harassment Code) impose additional penalties. Courts increasingly award damages for emotional distress, and federal agencies (FBI, DOJ) collaborate with Michigan’s Cyber Command to track offenders.
Key Regulations for Doxxing in Michigan
- Michigan Penal Code § 750.411s: Prohibits electronic dissemination of another’s personal data with intent to intimidate, threaten, or harass, punishable by up to 2 years imprisonment and/or $5,000 fines.
- Stalking Statute § 750.411h: Covers repeated, unwanted disclosure of private information causing reasonable fear of harm, with penalties escalating to 5 years imprisonment for aggravated offenses.
- Local Ordinances (e.g., Detroit Municipal Code § 18-1-4): Impose municipal fines up to $500 per violation and mandate restraining orders against offenders, enforced by the Detroit Police Department’s Cyber Crimes Unit.
Michigan’s 2026 legislative updates (SB 412–415) expand protections by criminalizing “doxxing for profit” and requiring social media platforms to report threats within 24 hours. Violators face enhanced penalties, including mandatory cybersecurity training and restitution for victims’ relocation costs. Employers and institutions must adopt anti-doxxing policies to avoid vicarious liability under the Michigan Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act.