No. Doxxing—publishing someone’s private information with intent to harass or harm—violates New York’s civil and criminal laws, including the 2024 Doxxing Prohibition Act and Penal Law § 240.30 (harassment). Offenders face fines, injunctions, and imprisonment, while platforms enabling such acts may incur liability under the 2026 Digital Accountability Act.
Key Regulations for Doxxing in New York
- Civil Rights Law § 50-b: Prohibits publishing personal data (e.g., SSNs, home addresses) with intent to threaten or intimidate, enabling victims to sue for damages and injunctive relief.
- Penal Law § 240.30 (Harassment 2nd Degree): Criminalizes repeated electronic communications that alarm or annoy, including doxxing, punishable by up to 1 year in jail.
- 2024 Doxxing Prohibition Act: Mandates platforms remove doxxed content within 24 hours of notice, with fines up to $1,000 per violation; the 2026 amendments expand penalties for repeat offenders and require annual compliance training for social media moderators.
Local enforcement relies on the New York Attorney General’s Cybercrime Bureau and district attorneys, who prioritize cases involving domestic violence, political intimidation, or threats to public officials. Courts apply a “clear and convincing” evidence standard for civil claims, while criminal prosecutions hinge on proving intent to harass or incite violence. Exceptions exist for journalism and whistleblowing, but protections are narrowly construed under People v. Golb (2014).