Federal bill would make doxing of law enforcement officers a crime

What does this do?

The BLUE Act would create a new federal crime for sharing personal information about federal law enforcement officers when the intent is to physically block, interfere with, or retaliate against them for doing their job. It expands existing federal law to also cover situations where someone spreads an officer's personal information to disrupt a federal investigation, operation, or legal proceeding. The bill broadens the definition of protected personal information to include any physical location where a federal officer is or is expected to be, whether on duty or off duty.

Who does it affect?

Federal law enforcement officers such as FBI and DEA agents would receive additional legal protections under this bill. Any person who shares targeted location or personal information about a federal officer online or elsewhere could be subject to the new federal crime.

Why does it matter?

Expanding the list of protected information and covered intent means more types of sharing could trigger federal criminal liability than under current law. Average citizens would only be directly affected if they were involved in sharing that kind of targeted information about a federal officer.

Where does it stand?