Yes, Maryland law permits using fake names on social media unless the account engages in fraudulent activity, violates platform terms, or targets individuals unlawfully. The state lacks explicit statutes banning pseudonyms, but civil and criminal penalties may apply under broader fraud, harassment, or impersonation laws. The Maryland Attorney General’s 2024 guidance emphasizes that fake names are permissible if not used to deceive or harm others, aligning with First Amendment protections for anonymous speech.
Key Regulations for Using Fake Names on Social Media in Maryland
- Fraudulent Impersonation (Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 8-301): Prohibits using another person’s identity to commit a crime, obtain property, or mislead others. Fake names tied to financial scams or identity theft face felony charges.
- Harassment and Cyberstalking (Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 3-803): Using a fake name to threaten, stalk, or harass individuals violates state law, with penalties escalating for repeat offenses or targeting minors.
- Platform-Specific Compliance: Maryland courts defer to social media platforms’ terms of service. Violating these—such as impersonating public figures or violating copyright—may result in account suspension or legal action under the Maryland Consumer Protection Act (Md. Code Ann., Com. Law § 13-301 et seq.), particularly if the account misleads consumers.
Local enforcement prioritizes cases where fake names facilitate illegal conduct, such as election interference or consumer fraud, as highlighted in the 2026 Maryland Digital Privacy and Accountability Act draft proposals. Users should avoid names that could reasonably deceive others in commercial or official contexts.