Is Doxxing Legal in North Dakota After the 2026 Law Changes?

No. Doxxing—publishing another person’s private information with intent to harass, threaten, or incite violence—violates North Dakota’s criminal and civil laws. The state treats it as a misdemeanor under harassment statutes (N.D. Cent. Code § 12.1-17-07) and may escalate to felony charges if it results in bodily harm or severe emotional distress. Local courts, including the North Dakota Supreme Court, have increasingly recognized digital harassment as actionable under tort law, aligning with 2026 amendments to the state’s cyberbullying framework.


Key Regulations for Doxxing in North Dakota

  • Harassment Statutes (N.D. Cent. Code § 12.1-17-07): Prohibits repeated electronic communication with intent to intimidate, threaten, or harass, including the disclosure of private data. Violations carry up to 30 days in jail and $1,500 in fines for misdemeanors, escalating to Class C felony penalties (5 years imprisonment, $10,000 fine) if harm occurs.

  • Invasion of Privacy (N.D. Cent. Code § 12.1-21-08): Criminalizes the unauthorized dissemination of another’s private information, such as home addresses or financial records, with knowledge of likely harm. Enforced by county prosecutors, including the Cass County State’s Attorney’s Office, which has prioritized digital harassment cases since 2024.

  • Civil Liability (N.D. Cent. Code § 32-03.1-01): Permits victims to sue for damages under the state’s anti-harassment tort, with courts awarding compensatory and punitive damages. The North Dakota Human Rights Commission may intervene in cases involving protected characteristics (e.g., race, gender identity), as outlined in the 2026 Digital Harassment Act.