New Jersey Assemblyman Sher champions A 3561 to criminalize doxing amid rising online hate

A new bill aimed at combating the growing threat of doxing has gained support from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) during a recent Assembly Judiciary meeting in New Jersey. Assembly Bill 3561 seeks to establish doxing as a crime, addressing a pressing issue that has increasingly affected individuals across the state and beyond.

Ross Wiseman, the assistant regional director of the ADL's Philadelphia office, testified in favor of the bill, highlighting the alarming rise in online hate and harassment. According to a 2024 survey conducted by the ADL, 56% of Americans reported experiencing online hate, with 41% facing severe harassment, including doxing, stalking, and physical threats. Wiseman emphasized that doxing—defined as the public sharing of personal information without consent—poses a significant risk to individuals' safety and well-being.

The ADL has been actively working to combat doxing and other forms of online abuse, particularly following incidents that have targeted specific communities. Wiseman referenced a 2022 anti-Semitic mapping project that aimed to intimidate Jewish organizations, which underscored the urgent need for legal protections against such malicious activities.

By supporting Assembly Bill 3561, the ADL aims to send a strong message that doxing will not be tolerated in New Jersey. The proposed legislation would provide a clear legal remedy for victims, reinforcing the importance of protecting individuals from the serious harm that can result from the unauthorized dissemination of their personal information.

As discussions continue, the bill represents a significant step toward enhancing the safety and security of residents in New Jersey, ensuring that those who engage in doxing face appropriate legal consequences. The Assembly Judiciary Committee's support for this measure reflects a growing recognition of the need to address the challenges posed by online harassment and to safeguard the rights of individuals in the digital age.