Kentucky could make it a crime to 'dox' minors

Associated Press
Wednesday, March 6, 2019 2:10 p.m. | Wednesday, March 6, 2019 2:10 p.m.

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Ted Sandmann, left, and his attorney Todd McMurty speak with reporters on Wednesday, March 6, 2019, in Frankfort, Ky., about a bill moving through the state legislature that would make it a crime to share personally identifying information about a minor online with the intent of harassment or intimidation. Sandmann is the father of Nick Sandmann, a student at Covington Catholic High School who was vilified online for his interaction with a Native American protester in Washington.

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Months after a Kentucky high school student was vilified following his interaction with a Native American protester, the state legislature is advancing a bill that would make it a crime to publish personal information of a child online with the intent to harass or intimidate.

A Kentucky state Senate committee approved Senate bill 240 on Wednesday. It would make it a misdemeanor to publish minors’ information such as a home address or the school they attend, known as “doxing.”

Three Democrats voted against the bill, citing concerns it would violate freedom of speech.

In January, 16-year-old Covington Catholic High School student Nick Sandmann was targeted after his interaction with a Native American protester was posted online.

Sandmann’s father, Ted, told lawmakers his family is living in a nightmare.