Cyprus bill targets coordinated online harassment and doxxing
A new proposal in the House would criminalise organised online targeting and the publication of personal details, with tougher penalties for fake accounts.
According to philenews, a bill drafted by Foteini Tsiridou, who chairs the House Legal Affairs Committee, would introduce specific offences for coordinated online attacks and the malicious exposure of personal information — known as doxxing.
The proposal amends existing legislation on harassment and stalking. It creates a distinct offence of "organised online targeting", requiring proof of prior agreement or coordinated action and a shared intent to harass a specific person.
A separate offence would cover publishing details such as a home address, phone number, workplace or information about children, when done to cause fear or serious danger. Penalties would be graded, with aggravating factors including the use of fake or multiple accounts and automated tools.
"The text explicitly protects freedom of the press and of speech, political criticism and satire," Tsiridou told philenews.
What it means for residents
If passed, the bill would give prosecutors sharper tools against coordinated online attacks, but it would not change how most people use social media day to day. The practical effect would be felt mainly by those targeted by organised campaigns or whose personal details are exposed.
- Reporting: Victims of doxxing or coordinated harassment would have a clearer legal path to seek prosecution, rather than relying solely on data protection rules.
- Online behaviour: Using fake accounts to spread content or ignoring court orders could lead to tougher penalties, so users should be aware that anonymous posts are not beyond the law.
- Free speech: The bill states it protects press freedom, political criticism and satire, but the line between criticism and harassment may still be tested in court.
This text is written from the source article and is not a translation of it.
