No.
Doxxing—publishing private personal information to harass or incite harm—is illegal in Ohio under multiple statutes, including harassment, stalking, and telecommunications laws. The Ohio Attorney General’s 2024 Digital Harassment Task Force Report explicitly targets doxxing as a form of cyberabuse, citing rising prosecutions under revised ORC § 2917.21 (aggravated harassment). Courts have upheld convictions where doxxing led to credible threats, with penalties ranging from misdemeanors to felonies depending on intent and harm. Local law enforcement, including the Columbus Police Department’s Cyber Crimes Unit, prioritizes doxxing cases under ORC § 2903.211 (menacing by stalking), particularly when targeting protected classes or public officials.
Key Regulations for Doxxing in Ohio
- ORC § 2917.21 (Aggravated Harassment): Prohibits transmitting private information with intent to harass, alarm, or annoy, punishable by up to 180 days in jail for misdemeanors or 5 years for felonies if threats result.
- ORC § 2903.211 (Menacing by Stalking): Covers repeated doxxing that places victims in reasonable fear of physical harm, with enhanced penalties for prior convictions or use of electronic communications.
- ORC § 2913.04 (Unauthorized Use of Property): Applies when doxxing involves hacking or misappropriating personal data, triggering felony charges under Ohio’s 2025 Data Privacy Act amendments.
Local enforcement agencies collaborate with the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force to track doxxing trends, particularly in cases involving minors or vulnerable populations. Employers and compliance officers should monitor ORC § 2927.12 (disrupting public services), as doxxing public officials may escalate to felony disruption charges under Ohio’s 2026 Public Safety Enhancement Act.