New Jersey lawmakers are taking a decisive step toward strengthening digital privacy and personal safety with new legislation that would make doxxing a distinct criminal offense under state law. The proposal, which recently advanced through the Assembly Appropriations Committee, reflects growing concern over the real-world harm caused by the malicious online release of private personal information.
Doxxing has become an increasingly common tactic in online harassment campaigns, often involving the publication of home addresses, phone numbers, workplace details, and family information with the intent to intimidate, threaten, or provoke physical harm. While certain forms of online harassment are already covered by existing statutes, supporters of the new measure argue that the current legal framework has not kept pace with the speed, scale, and permanence of digital platforms.
The bill would formally define doxxing in state law and establish criminal penalties for individuals who knowingly and maliciously disclose another person’s private identifying information without consent. Lawmakers backing the measure say the goal is twofold: to provide law enforcement with clearer tools to intervene and to send a strong deterrent message that online actions carry real legal consequences.
Advocates point to a growing number of cases involving public officials, journalists, educators, healthcare workers, and private citizens who have faced threats, stalking, and harassment after personal information was widely circulated online. In some incidents, victims have been forced to relocate, change employment, or seek protective orders due to credible safety risks stemming from online exposure.
Supporters of the bill emphasize that the legislation is carefully written to protect legitimate speech and public interest reporting, while targeting conduct that is intentionally harmful. The proposal includes provisions designed to distinguish malicious disclosure from lawful journalism, whistleblowing, and other protected forms of communication.
As the bill continues its path through the Legislature, it becomes part of a broader wave of policy initiatives aimed at modernizing New Jersey’s approach to technology, privacy, and public safety. Ongoing coverage of legislative developments and digital policy reforms can be found within the state’s evolving legislative landscape.
If enacted, the measure would place New Jersey among a growing group of states formally recognizing doxxing as a criminal act, marking a significant shift in how digital misconduct is addressed in the legal system. Lawmakers say the proposal reflects an urgent need to ensure that residents are protected not only in physical spaces, but also in the online environments that increasingly shape daily life.
