565.240. Unlawful posting of certain information over the internet, offense of — violation, penalty.
Posting someone’s private information online to cause harm is a crime
It’s illegal in Missouri to share someone’s personal details online with the intent to hurt or threaten them, especially if the person is in law enforcement or the justice system.
1. A person commits the offense of unlawful posting of certain information over the internet if they knowingly post someone’s name, home address, Social Security number, phone number, or other personal information online intending to cause or threaten serious harm or death to that person.
2. This offense is normally a class C misdemeanor. However, it becomes more serious if the information belongs to a law enforcement officer, corrections officer, parole officer, judge, commissioner, or prosecuting attorney—or their immediate family—and is posted with harmful intent:
- If the target is one of those officials or their family and the post is meant to cause or threaten serious harm or death, it becomes a class E felony.
- If the post leads to actual injury or death, it becomes a class D felony.
Contact us online or call (314) 900-HELP to talk with a Missouri criminal defense lawyer.
