No, doxxing in South Carolina is generally illegal under state and federal laws when it involves the malicious disclosure of private personal information with intent to harass, threaten, or incite violence. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and local prosecutors actively pursue cases under harassment, stalking, and cybercrime statutes, particularly when harm results. Federal protections under 18 U.S.C. § 875(c) and the Violence Against Women Act also apply to interstate doxxing.
Key Regulations for Doxxing in South Carolina
- Harassment Statute (S.C. Code § 16-3-1700): Prohibits electronic or physical harassment, including repeated dissemination of private data to torment victims, with penalties up to 3 years imprisonment.
- Stalking Law (S.C. Code § 16-3-1700): Criminalizes intentional, repeated tracking or exposure of a person’s location or personal details, escalating to felony charges if bodily harm occurs.
- Computer Crime Act (S.C. Code § 16-16-10): Targets unauthorized access or distribution of personal information via digital means, imposing fines up to $5,000 and 10 years imprisonment for aggravated offenses.
Local courts in Charleston, Greenville, and Columbia have increasingly leveraged these statutes in 2023–2026 cases, reflecting a tightening enforcement posture. Victims may also pursue civil remedies under tort law for invasion of privacy or emotional distress. Entities like the South Carolina Attorney General’s Cyber Crimes Unit collaborate with SLED to monitor and prosecute doxxing schemes, particularly those targeting public officials or marginalized communities.