No. Doxxing—publishing private or identifying information to harm—violates Austrian criminal law under § 107c StGB (harassment) and § 126 StGB (breach of confidentiality), with penalties up to 2 years imprisonment. The Datenschutzbehörde (Austrian Data Protection Authority) enforces GDPR-linked protections, while the Bundesamt für Verfassungsschutz und Terrorismusbekämpfung (BVT) monitors extremist-linked doxxing cases.
Key Regulations for Doxxing in Austria
- § 107c StGB (Cyberstalking): Prohibits targeted harassment via shared personal data, including home addresses or financial details, with intent to intimidate or coerce.
- § 126 StGB (Breach of Confidentiality): Criminalizes unauthorized disclosure of private data obtained through hacking, insider access, or other illicit means, punishable by up to 1 year imprisonment.
- GDPR & DSG 2026 Amendments: Strengthens data-subject rights, requiring explicit consent for processing personal data; non-compliance risks fines up to €20M or 4% global turnover under the Datenschutzgesetz revisions.
Doxxing targeting public figures faces stricter scrutiny under the Mediengesetz, where journalistic exceptions are narrowly construed. Victims may pursue civil claims under § 1328a ABGB for non-pecuniary damages. Law enforcement prioritizes cases with threats of violence or systemic harassment.