No. Doxxing—publicly revealing someone’s private information without consent—is illegal in Washington, D.C. under criminal and civil statutes, including harassment, stalking, and invasion of privacy laws. The D.C. Council’s 2023 amendments to the Human Rights Act expanded protections, and the 2026 Omnibus Compliance Act further criminalizes targeted disclosures intended to incite harm or intimidation.
Key Regulations for Doxxing in Washington D.C.
- D.C. Code § 22-3133 (Harassment): Prohibits repeated, unwanted disclosures of personal data with intent to harass, alarm, or distress, punishable by fines up to $1,000 and/or 180 days imprisonment.
- D.C. Code § 22-3132 (Stalking): Covers doxxing when used to facilitate physical or digital stalking, with penalties escalating to felony charges if harm results.
- D.C. Human Rights Act § 2-1402.11: Bans doxxing as a form of discrimination or retaliation in employment, housing, and public accommodations, enforced by the D.C. Office of Human Rights.
Local enforcement agencies, including the Metropolitan Police Department’s Cyber Crimes Unit and the D.C. Attorney General’s Office, actively pursue doxxing cases under these frameworks. Victims may also file civil suits for damages under tort law. Compliance with these statutes is critical for individuals and organizations operating in D.C. to avoid severe legal repercussions.