TRENTON, NJ – A bipartisan bill introduced in the New Jersey Senate would make “doxxing” — the online release of a person’s private information with intent to cause harm — a criminal offense, as lawmakers move to address growing concerns over digital harassment and threats stemming from the public posting of personal data.
Sponsored by Senator Andrew Zwicker (D–Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset) and Senator Anthony M. Bucco (R–Morris, Passaic), and co-sponsored by Senator Brian Stack (D–Hudson), the measure establishes the crime of doxxing under New Jersey law, making it punishable by up to five years in prison in severe cases.
Under the proposed legislation, a person commits doxxing if they knowingly disclose another individual’s personal identifying information online without consent, with the intent to cause fear, harassment, or harm to that person or their close relatives. The offense would apply when the disclosure creates a substantial risk of injury, leads to stalking, or inflicts severe emotional distress.
The bill defines “personal identifying information” broadly to include names, addresses, phone numbers, and other data that could make a person identifiable and vulnerable. “Close relation” covers immediate and extended family members, former partners, household members, and others with close personal or professional ties.
Doxxing would be classified as a fourth-degree crime, carrying up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. If the release of personal information results in stalking, physical harm, or serious injury, the charge would escalate to a third-degree crime, punishable by three to five years in prison and a fine up to $15,000.
The measure includes exceptions to protect legitimate speech and whistleblowing. It would not be considered doxxing if the disclosure is made in good faith to report unlawful conduct, assist law enforcement, or expose wrongdoing by public officials acting in their official capacity. It also includes protections for constitutionally protected activities such as journalism, protest, and petition.
Supporters say the bill is aimed at curbing a form of digital intimidation that has increasingly targeted public figures, activists, journalists, and private citizens alike. By defining doxxing in state law, New Jersey would join a small but growing number of states treating the practice as a specific criminal act rather than a general form of harassment.
