The proposed bill introduces the "Anti-Doxxing and Privacy Protection Act" to the Code of West Virginia, establishing a framework to combat the malicious publication of personally identifiable information (PII) without consent, commonly known as doxxing. The bill outlines the definitions of doxxing and PII, prohibits the intentional or reckless disclosure of such information with the intent to cause harm, and establishes both criminal penalties and civil remedies for victims. It also provides lawful mechanisms for individuals to request the redaction of their personal information from public records when there is a credible safety risk, particularly for those in sensitive positions such as law enforcement and healthcare.

Additionally, the bill empowers the Attorney General to investigate violations, enforce the provisions, and report on enforcement actions annually. It includes specific penalties for offenders, with increased severity for repeat offenses and those targeting individuals in protective roles. The act aims to balance the protection of personal privacy with the rights to free speech and public information, ensuring that lawful disclosures for public interest are not hindered. The bill is set to take effect on April 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 61-8G-1, 61-8G-2, 61-8G-3, 61-8G-4, 61-8G-5, 61-8G-6, 61-8G-7, 61-8G-8, 61-8G-9, 61-8G-10