A bill for an act relating to harassment by the dissemination, publication, distribution, or posting of personal information, and making penalties applicable.(Formerly HF 201.)

Iowa House File 849 (HF849) is a proposed law aimed at criminalizing the act of sharing someone's personal information, such as their home address or phone number, with the intent to harass them. This practice, often referred to as 'doxxing,' would be classified as a form of harassment under the bill, making it illegal to disseminate, publish, distribute, or post personal information to intimidate or harm individuals. The bill outlines specific penalties for those found guilty of this offense.

Supporters of HF849 argue that the bill is a necessary step to protect individuals from online harassment and privacy invasions. They believe that by criminalizing doxxing, the law will deter individuals from engaging in such behavior and provide law enforcement with clear guidelines to prosecute offenders. Advocates emphasize the importance of safeguarding personal information in the digital age and view the bill as a proactive measure to enhance personal security.

Critics of HF849 express concerns that the bill could infringe upon free speech rights and may be overly broad in its definitions, potentially leading to unintended consequences. They worry that the legislation might be used to suppress legitimate activities, such as investigative journalism or whistleblowing, where sharing personal information is sometimes necessary. Opponents also question the enforceability of the law and whether it could be effectively applied in the rapidly evolving online environment.