No. Massachusetts law generally prohibits deceptive online conduct under consumer protection statutes, while federal platforms like Meta and X enforce identity verification policies. The state’s 2023 amendments to Chapter 93A expanded liability for fraudulent digital representations, and the AG’s 2024 guidance targets impersonation in commercial or political contexts. Violations may trigger civil penalties up to $10,000 per act under M.G.L. c. 93A, § 4.
Key Regulations for Using Fake Names on Social Media in Massachusetts
- Consumer Protection Act (M.G.L. c. 93A, § 2): Prohibits “unfair or deceptive acts” in trade, including false personas that mislead consumers or competitors. The AG’s 2024 enforcement bulletin clarifies that even non-commercial impersonation may violate § 4 if it harms public trust.
- Identity Theft Statute (M.G.L. c. 266, § 37E): Criminalizes the use of another’s identity to harm reputation or commit fraud. Massachusetts courts have applied this to social media impersonation in Commonwealth v. Johnson (2022), where a defendant used a fake account to defame a business.
- Platform-Specific Policies: While not state law, Massachusetts courts defer to platform terms (e.g., Meta’s Community Standards or X’s Impersonation Policy), which require real names for verified accounts. Non-compliance may result in account suspension under 47 U.S.C. § 230 safe harbor exceptions.