By Jenna Peterson

WHAT THE BILL WOULD DO

AB 1979 would allow victims of doxxing — when someone shares identifying information online about someone else with the intent to harm them — to sue their attackers in civil court for damages of as much as $30,000. 

WHO SUPPORTS IT

Assemblymember Chris Ward, a San Diego Democrat, and Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, a Davis Democrat, co-authored the bill. AB 1979 has support from many LGBTQ+ rights organizations, as members of the LGBTQ+ community are disproportionately targets of doxxing. A number of Jewish rights organizations announced their support for the bill earlier this month, and the Anti-Defamation League is a co-sponsor. 

WHO IS OPPOSED

There is no recorded opposition to AB 1979. Newport Beach Republican Diane Dixon was the sole “no” vote in the Assembly, and told CalMatters she generally opposes bills that create a private right to action because they clog up the court system. The bill also received five “no” votes in the Senate. 

WHY IT MATTERS

It’s difficult to obtain evidence for doxxing, so the crime isn’t prosecuted often. For example, only one doxxing case was filed in Sacramento County in the last five years. According to a 2024 Anti-Defamation League Report, 45% of transgender respondents said they had experienced severe online harassment in the last year, and LGBTQ+ advocates say harassment is worsening as anti-trans legislation rises across the country. 

Doxxing has also played a role in recent Gaza war demonstrations, with many protesters wearing face coverings in fear of being identified and facing online harassment. 

GOVERNOR’S CALL ✅

Newsom announced Sept. 25 he had signed the bill.