Is Doxxing Legal in Maine After the 2026 Law Changes?

No. Doxxing—revealing another person’s private information without consent—is illegal in Maine under multiple statutes. The state criminalizes harassment, stalking, and invasion of privacy, with penalties including fines and imprisonment. Local enforcement agencies, including the Maine Attorney General’s Cyber Crimes Unit, actively pursue violations.

Key Regulations for Doxxing in Maine

  • Maine Criminal Code § 506-B (Harassment): Prohibits knowingly directing abusive or harassing conduct toward another person, including disclosing their private information with intent to intimidate or threaten. Violations are Class D crimes, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and $2,000 in fines.
  • Maine Civil Rights Act § 4683 (Invasion of Privacy): Allows civil actions for intentional intrusion upon seclusion, where defendants disclose private details (e.g., home address, financial records) without legitimate purpose. Plaintiffs may recover damages and injunctive relief.
  • Maine’s 2026 Cybersecurity Framework (LD 1978): Mandates public and private entities to implement safeguards against unauthorized data exposure, including employee training on doxxing risks. Noncompliance may trigger regulatory audits by the Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation.

Courts interpret doxxing through the lens of intent—whether the disclosure was designed to incite harm, stalk, or defame. Exemptions exist for journalism, whistleblowing, or lawful public records requests, but these require strict adherence to First Amendment and public interest standards. Victims should document evidence and report incidents to local law enforcement or the AG’s office for potential criminal charges or civil litigation.