No, doxxing is illegal in Missouri when it involves publishing private or identifying information with intent to harass, threaten, or incite violence. State statutes and local ordinances, including recent 2026 amendments to the Missouri Public Safety Code, criminalize non-consensual disclosure of personal data, particularly when targeting individuals based on protected characteristics. Violations may result in misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on harm caused.
Key Regulations for Doxxing in Missouri
- Missouri Revised Statutes § 565.225: Prohibits harassment via electronic communication, encompassing doxxing when used to intimidate or coerce. Penalties escalate with repeated offenses or severe emotional distress inflicted.
- St. Louis Municipal Code § 11.60.020: Local ordinance criminalizes doxxing in public spaces, requiring law enforcement to investigate within 72 hours of reported incidents under the city’s 2026 Public Safety Enforcement Directive.
- HB 2026 (2026 Session): Expands liability to include third-party platforms hosting doxxed content if they fail to remove it within 48 hours of a verified complaint, aligning with federal Section 230 reforms.
Perpetrators face fines up to $10,000 and imprisonment for up to 4 years under aggravated circumstances. Victims may pursue civil remedies under Missouri’s Invasion of Privacy Act, including damages for emotional distress. Law enforcement agencies, including the Missouri Attorney General’s Cyber Crimes Unit, prioritize doxxing cases under the state’s 2026 Digital Harassment Task Force framework.