georgina Lambert

Testimony on HB 1367: Establishing a Criminal Offense of Doxing I oppose HB 1367 due to its fundamentally flawed understanding of what constitutes doxing, particularly concerning public officials. It is essential to recognize that public representatives inherently operate in the realm of transparency, inviting public scrutiny as part of their duty. The notion that one could "dox" a public official is simply nonsensical; their information is usually accessible through various public channels, making this bill's premise not only misguided but also unnecessary. This legislation mischaracterizes legitimate civic engagement and accountability as harmful actions when, in fact, such scrutiny is vital to our democratic process. Moreover, the bill's implications raise serious concerns regarding civil liberties and excessive policing. The designation of doxing as a criminal offense suggests that we could see an overreach in how law enforcement handles online interactions, potentially turning everyday communications into criminal matters. There are no "secret police" in the United States; such a bill could open the door to invasive surveillance and authoritarian practices under the guise of protecting public officials from imagined threats. This isn’t just an issue of public safety; it directly threatens our essential freedoms of speech and expression. Finally, the lack of clarity in the bill regarding definitions and enforcement raises red flags about potential abuses of power. Without proper funding and oversight mechanisms, the enforcement of this legislation could disproportionately affect marginalized communities who often engage in political discourse more passionately. Rather than protecting citizens, this bill could lead to a chilling effect, silencing dissent and discouraging vital conversations within our democracy. We must prioritize measures that foster transparency and accountability without compromising the very freedoms that make our society just and equitable.