Yes, using fake names on social media is legal in Connecticut unless the account engages in fraud, harassment, or violates platform terms. Connecticut’s 2024 Social Media Privacy Act and federal laws like the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act impose limits, but anonymity itself remains permissible for personal use.
Key Regulations for Using Fake Names on Social Media in Connecticut
- Fraudulent Misrepresentation: Connecticut’s General Statutes § 52-571 prohibits impersonation for financial gain or deception, aligning with federal wire fraud statutes (18 U.S.C. § 1343). Accounts used to deceive others for tangible benefits face civil and criminal liability.
- Harassment and Cyberstalking: Under C.G.S. § 53a-182b, anonymous accounts targeting individuals with threats or repeated harassment may trigger felony charges, particularly if the conduct is deemed to place the victim in reasonable fear.
- Platform-Specific Compliance: Connecticut’s 2026 updates to the Social Media Privacy Act require platforms to disclose impersonation policies. Violations of platform terms (e.g., Meta’s or X’s identity policies) may result in account suspension, though state enforcement remains limited to egregious cases.
Local enforcement prioritizes cases with clear intent to defraud or harm, while routine pseudonym use for privacy or expression remains unchallenged. The Connecticut Attorney General’s Office has not pursued broad crackdowns on fake names but monitors coordinated disinformation campaigns. Users should avoid accounts that mimic public figures or businesses to evade scrutiny.