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Posting Sex Offender Information Online

Law Asked by Jesse Elser on December 30, 2021

Sex Offender Information is public to an extent. If I become aware of a sexual offender in an area and simply post a link to the registry with the intent to merely inform others and not harass nor hinder this person in any way. Is there any way my actions could be perceived as illegal? When I made the post I made it clear that my intent was to merely inform and nothing more, yet some users claim I could be sued for slander even though there is evidence to support my claims.

2 Answers

It is public information so it is legal to let others know BUT you have to consider the risks still. Example, if you posted pics on telephone poles and get caught, you could get some form of charge for damaged to private property. Another one is if someone used that information to attack the offender and they learned it came from your source, you could also suffer some consequences for possibly being an assailant.

Now chances are people may turn a blind eye and allow whatever to happen to a sex offender because, well, if anyone should get their rights violated and be acceptable, it be them. However, the law just doesn't work that way.

Answered by Dan on December 30, 2021

You can always be sued, but truth is an absolute defense to libel.

Your actions could be perceived in any way imaginable. What usually matters for legal purposes is how a "reasonable person" would perceive them.

As an example, Pennsylvania's Megan's Law Website warns:

Any person who uses the information contained herein to threaten, intimidate, or harass the registrant or their family, or who otherwise misuses this information, may be subject to criminal prosecution or civil liability.

It further clarifies:

Public access to information about registered sexual offenders is intended solely as a means of public protection, any other use prohibited.

Answered by feetwet on December 30, 2021

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