Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley & Norton Nashville entertainment partner Lauren Kilgore recently spoke with TIME Magazine about the potential legal ramifications for celebrities when their fans use intimidation as retaliation for perceived disrespect or criticism.
Designed to silence their favorite artists’ detractors, fan bases are increasingly turning to doxxing – the online disclosure of an individual’s private information – to combat criticism. The practice has led to relentless harassment and abuse online of critics, but can the celebrity be held liable?
It depends on their level of involvement, according to Ms. Kilgore. “Did they incite or expressly direct or encourage the doxxing? Did they collaborate with or direct the perpetrators?” This would determine “whether they face criminal charges or civil actions, underscoring the importance of intent and consequence in such legal evaluations.”
Despite attempts by some social media platforms to thwart the practice, there are rarely negative consequences for doxxing because of the complicated nature of laws surrounding online harassment.
“The legislative landscape is nuanced and uncertain, especially with ongoing discussions in Congress about crafting anti-doxxing legislation that must delicately balance free speech rights against privacy protections,” said Ms. Kilgore.
To read “Online Users Were Doxxed by Nicki Minaj Fans. Some Say They Won’t Stop Speaking Out” visit https://time.com/6695063/nicki-minaj-barbz-doxxing-targets/.
