Is Doxxing Illegal? Federal & State Laws

Is doxxing illegal in the USA? That question pops up every time a public figure, gamer, journalist, or everyday American gets their private information blasted online. From home addresses to phone numbers and workplace details, doxxing turns digital harassment into real-world fear.

To understand whether doxxing is illegal in the United States, the law must be examined through federal statutes, state laws, and court interpretations. The legality depends on what information is shared, how it is used, and the harm it causes. According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), online harassment, cyberstalking, and threats that place a person in reasonable fear are prosecutable under federal law.

What Is Doxxing? A Legal Definition

Doxxing comes from the phrase “dropping documents.” It refers to the intentional public release of private or identifying information about a person without permission.

Commonly shared details include:

• Full legal name
• Home address
• Personal phone number
• Email address
• Employer or workplace location
• Social Security number
• Financial or medical records

Doxxing becomes legally significant when the act leads to harassment, intimidation, stalking, threats, or violence.

Is Doxxing Itself a Federal Crime?

Doxxing is not labeled as a single federal crime under U.S. law. However, the behavior often violates multiple federal statutes, making it criminal in practice.

There are five primary federal laws used to prosecute doxxing-related conduct.

Federal Laws That Make Doxxing Illegal

1. Federal Cyberstalking Law (18 U.S. Code § 2261A)

Under this law, a person commits a federal crime when they:

• Use electronic communication
• Intend to harass, intimidate, or cause emotional distress
• Create a reasonable fear of death or serious bodily harm

Posting someone’s address online with hostile intent often meets this threshold.

Penalty:

• Up to 5 years in federal prison
• Higher sentences when physical harm occurs

2. Interstate Threats (18 U.S. Code § 875)

Threatening messages sent across state lines using the internet or phone networks qualify as federal crimes.

Doxxing combined with:

• Death threats
• Violence warnings
• Calls for others to harm the victim

triggers this statute.

Penalty:

• Up to 5 years in prison
• Fines up to $250,000

3. Identity Theft Laws (18 U.S. Code § 1028)

Sharing personal data with the intent to facilitate fraud or impersonation violates federal identity theft laws.

Examples include:

• Posting Social Security numbers
• Releasing bank account details

Penalty:

• Up to 15 years in prison

4. Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA)

Hacking accounts to obtain private data for doxxing violates federal hacking laws.

5. Civil Rights Violations

Doxxing motivated by race, religion, gender, or national origin may trigger federal hate crime investigations.

State Laws: Where Doxxing Is Explicitly Illegal?

While federal law handles interstate and severe cases, state laws often provide clearer doxxing protections.

When Is Doxxing Legal in the USA?

Doxxing may be legal under limited circumstances:

• Information already available in public records
• News reporting that serves public interest
• No intent to harass or threaten
• No reasonable fear caused

For example:
Publishing a business address listed on a public website for informational purposes does not automatically violate the law.

Learn More: Credit Score to Lease a Vehicle: New & Used Car Requirements

Doxxing vs Free Speech: The First Amendment Balance

The First Amendment protects speech, not harm.

U.S. courts consistently rule that:

• Speech that incites violence loses protection
• Speech causing credible fear crosses legal boundaries

According to the Supreme Court, “true threats” are not protected speech.

U.S. Doxxing Cases

Case 1: Utah Cyberstalking Conviction

A man posted a journalist’s home address and encouraged harassment. He received 18 months in federal prison under cyberstalking laws.

Case 2: California Online Harassment Lawsuit

A private citizen won $150,000 in civil damages after repeated doxxing caused job loss and relocation.

These cases show that courts treat doxxing seriously when harm occurs.

Civil Lawsuits: Suing a Doxxer

Victims can file civil lawsuits for:

• Invasion of privacy
• Intentional infliction of emotional distress
• Defamation
• Negligence

Civil penalties include:

• Monetary damages
• Court injunctions
• Removal orders

What To Do If You’re a Victim of Doxxing?

There are 7 immediate steps victims should take:

1. Document screenshots and URLs
2. Report content to platforms
3. Contact local law enforcement
4. File an FBI IC3 report
5. Request restraining orders
6. Consult a civil attorney
7. Secure personal data and credit

Penalties for Doxxing in the USA

Depending on severity:

• Jail time: 6 months to 15 years
• Federal fines: up to $250,000
• Civil damages: unlimited based on harm

Final Thoughts

Doxxing is not a harmless online prank. In the United States, it frequently triggers serious criminal charges, civil lawsuits, and life-altering consequences. Federal cyberstalking laws, state harassment statutes, and civil courts work together to protect victims.

Publishing personal information with harmful intent is illegal, punishable, and increasingly enforced in the U.S. If you’re a victim, legal remedies exist. If you’re considering posting someone’s private data, the legal risk is real—and costly.

FAQs