No. Doxxing—publishing private personal information with intent to harm—is illegal in Minnesota under harassment, stalking, and data privacy laws. Violations may trigger criminal charges or civil liability, with penalties escalating for repeat offenses or targeting vulnerable individuals.
Key Regulations for Doxxing in Minnesota
- Minn. Stat. § 609.749 (Harassment; Stalking): Prohibits repeated electronic communications or dissemination of private data to intimidate, threaten, or harass, punishable by up to 1 year imprisonment and $3,000 fines for gross misdemeanors.
- Minn. Stat. § 609.79 (Nonconsensual Dissemination of Private Sexual Images): Criminalizes sharing explicit images without consent, with felony charges (up to 3 years imprisonment) for repeat offenders or commercial distribution.
- Minnesota’s 2026 Data Privacy Act (effective Jan 1, 2026): Expands protections by requiring businesses to implement safeguards against unauthorized data exposure, enabling AG enforcement for negligent or intentional breaches tied to doxxing incidents.
Local enforcement prioritizes cases involving minors, domestic violence survivors, or public officials, often collaborating with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension’s Cyber Crimes Unit. Courts may impose restraining orders or award damages for emotional distress under tort law. Entities failing to redact sensitive data in compliance with state open records laws risk secondary liability.