Online Impersonation Bill Passes Pa. House

Online Impersonation Bill Passes Pa. House — The Pennsylvania House, last week, sent to the Senate a measure to help prevent individuals from creating fake profiles online with the intent to maliciously harm another person, reports State Rep. Jim Cox (R-129).

House Bill 764 would make it a crime to use the name or identifying information of another person to create a web page; post messages or open an account/profile on a social networking site; send an email or text; or open an email account while engaging in any of the following underlying offenses: harassment, terroristic threats, stalking, and witness or victim intimidation or retaliation.

The offense would be graded as a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to two years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000, or as one grade higher than the underlying offense, whichever is greater. In addition, the bill would allow a court to award actual civil damages (such as loss of money, reputation or property) or $500, whichever is greater, as well as attorney fees, court costs and restitution.

Online Impersonation Bill Passes Pa. House

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