Special Operator Protection Act of 2026
Summary
The Special Operator Protection Act of 2026 aims to protect special operations personnel and their families from doxing. It amends Title 18 of the United States Code to prohibit the knowing public release of restricted personal information with the intent to threaten, intimidate, or incite violence. The bill defines 'covered persons' and 'restricted personal information', and establishes penalties for violations, including fines and imprisonment.
Expected Effects
This act will create a new federal crime related to doxing specific individuals. It will provide legal recourse for special operations personnel and their families who are victims of doxing. This may deter individuals from releasing personal information with malicious intent.
Potential Benefits
- Provides increased protection for special operations personnel and their families.
- Deters the release of personal information intended to cause harm.
- Offers legal recourse for victims of doxing.
- Potentially enhances national security by protecting sensitive personnel.
- Clarifies definitions of 'covered person' and 'restricted personal information'.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for overly broad interpretation of 'intent to threaten, intimidate, or incite'.
- Possible chilling effect on free speech, particularly regarding criticism of military actions.
- Risk of misuse to silence legitimate whistleblowing or public scrutiny.
- Enforcement challenges in identifying and prosecuting offenders.
- May create a perception of special treatment for a specific group of government employees.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The act's constitutionality is complex. While it aims to protect individuals, it potentially infringes upon the First Amendment's guarantee of freedom of speech. The government's power to regulate speech is limited, and restrictions must be narrowly tailored to serve a compelling government interest. The act's focus on intent to threaten or incite violence aligns with existing legal standards for unprotected speech. However, the definition of 'restricted personal information' and its application could be subject to legal challenges.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).