{
  "batch": "73-harassment-and-stalking-response",
  "articles": [
    {
      "id": "learn_r73_harassment_and_stalking_response_73_x_reporting_abusive_behavior",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] X (Twitter): Platform reporting tools for harassment and abusive behavior; what X says it will do; stated response time",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] X allows anyone to report posts, accounts, or Direct Messages as abusive directly from the content; after receiving a report, X says it may take up to 24 hours before the user sees a confirmation message, and X may take action ranging from a warning to permanent suspension of the account.",
      "body": "X allows anyone to report posts, accounts, or Direct Messages as abusive directly from the content; after receiving a report, X says it may take up to 24 hours before the user sees a confirmation message, and X may take action ranging from a warning to permanent suspension of the account.\n\nWhat X Corp actually says:\n\n“After you submit a report, you will see a confirmation message from us alerting you that we received your report (it may take up to 24 hours before you see a message). We will review the reported account and/or post(s), and/or Direct Message(s). If we determine that the account, and/or post(s), and/or Direct Message(s) are in violation of our policies, we will take action (ranging from a warning to permanently suspending the account).”\n\nNote: No specific stated resolution time is published beyond the 24-hour acknowledgement window. X also states: 'You can get your own copy of your report of a violent threat to share with law enforcement by clicking Email report.' X states it cannot provide another account's information without valid legal process: 'Per our Privacy Policy, X does not release account information except as required by valid legal process.'",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://help.x.com/en/safety-and-security/report-abusive-behavior",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-03",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "X Corp",
      "evidence_quote": "After you submit a report, you will see a confirmation message from us alerting you that we received your report (it may take up to 24 hours before you see a message). We will review the reported account and/or post(s), and/or Direct Message(s). If we determine that the account, and/or post(s), and/or Direct Message(s) are in violation of our policies, we will take action (ranging from a warning to permanently suspending the account).",
      "volatility": "medium",
      "from_batch": "73-harassment-and-stalking-response",
      "subject": "X (Twitter)",
      "topic": "Platform reporting tools for harassment and abusive behavior; what X says it will do; stated response time",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "applies_to_scope": "Global X",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "any",
        "region": [
          "any"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "unclassified"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r73_harassment_and_stalking_response_73_x_law_enforcement_subpoena_required",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] X (Twitter): Law enforcement guidelines: what legal process is required for X to disclose user information",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] X will not release non-public user account information to law enforcement except in response to a valid subpoena, court order, other valid legal process, or a valid emergency request; content of communications requires a search warrant.",
      "body": "X will not release non-public user account information to law enforcement except in response to a valid subpoena, court order, other valid legal process, or a valid emergency request; content of communications requires a search warrant.\n\nWhat X Corp actually says:\n\n“Non-public information about X users will not be released to law enforcement except in response to appropriate legal process such as a subpoena, court order, other valid legal process, or in response to a valid emergency request, as described below.”\n\nNote: X law enforcement portal: legalrequests.x.com — only government agencies may use it. X also states it does not require real name use, email verification, or identity authentication, so IP logs and device information are the key investigative data. Law enforcement should use X's Guidelines for Law Enforcement page for process details.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://help.x.com/en/rules-and-policies/x-law-enforcement-support",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-03",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "X Corp",
      "evidence_quote": "Non-public information about X users will not be released to law enforcement except in response to appropriate legal process such as a subpoena, court order, other valid legal process, or in response to a valid emergency request, as described below.",
      "volatility": "medium",
      "from_batch": "73-harassment-and-stalking-response",
      "subject": "X (Twitter)",
      "topic": "Law enforcement guidelines: what legal process is required for X to disclose user information",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "applies_to_scope": "Global; process varies for non-US jurisdictions",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "any",
        "region": [
          "any"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "unclassified"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r73_harassment_and_stalking_response_73_discord_reporting_abusive_behavior",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Reporting harassment and doxxing to Discord; response times; reporter identity protection",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Discord allows in-app reporting of messages and user profiles for harassment, hate speech, and cybercrime; high-harm reports (child safety, extremism, imminent harm) are reviewed within 24–48 hours; lower-harm reports including harassment aim for review within a week; reporter identity is not shared with the reported account.",
      "body": "Discord allows in-app reporting of messages and user profiles for harassment, hate speech, and cybercrime; high-harm reports (child safety, extremism, imminent harm) are reviewed within 24–48 hours; lower-harm reports including harassment aim for review within a week; reporter identity is not shared with the reported account.\n\nWhat Discord actually says:\n\n“The time it takes for us to review a report depends on the type of content and the severity of the violation: High harm reports (e.g., child safety, extremism, imminent harm): These reports are prioritized and Discord aims to review them within 24 to 48 hours. Lower harm reports (e.g., harassment, hate speech, cybercrime misinformation): Discord aims to review reports in this category within a week. When you submit a report, your identity is not shared with the account you reported. This is true even if the report is appealed. We never intentionally disclose the identity of a reporter unless we are legally required to do so.”\n\nNote: Discord's Trust & Safety form at https://dis.gd/request accepts reports of doxxing (posting personal/private information). Discord states enforcement actions include 'disabling accounts, removing servers, and when appropriate, engaging with the proper authorities.' Report review times 'may fluctuate due to process changes, volume surges, technical issues, and backlogs.'",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://discord.com/safety/360044103651-reporting-abusive-behavior-to-discord",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-03",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Discord",
      "evidence_quote": "The time it takes for us to review a report depends on the type of content and the severity of the violation: High harm reports (e.g., child safety, extremism, imminent harm): These reports are prioritized and Discord aims to review them within 24 to 48 hours. Lower harm reports (e.g., harassment, hate speech, cybercrime misinformation): Discord aims to review reports in this category within a week. When you submit a report, your identity is not shared with the account you reported. This is true even if the report is appealed. We never intentionally disclose the identity of a reporter unless we are legally required to do so.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "73-harassment-and-stalking-response",
      "subject": "Discord",
      "topic": "Reporting harassment and doxxing to Discord; response times; reporter identity protection",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "applies_to_scope": "Global Discord; EU users have additional DSA reporting path",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "any",
        "region": [
          "any"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "unclassified"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r73_harassment_and_stalking_response_73_tiktok_reporting_bullying_doxxing",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Reporting harassment, doxxing and bullying on TikTok; webform for under-18 bullying with follow-up timelines",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] TikTok states it does not allow harassment including doxxing and removes content violating its Community Guidelines; bullying of under-18s can be reported through a dedicated webform, after which TikTok sends updates via SMS or email within specified time periods; other harassment is reported through general in-app reporting.",
      "body": "TikTok states it does not allow harassment including doxxing and removes content violating its Community Guidelines; bullying of under-18s can be reported through a dedicated webform, after which TikTok sends updates via SMS or email within specified time periods; other harassment is reported through general in-app reporting.\n\nWhat TikTok actually says:\n\n“We do not allow harassing, degrading, or bullying statements or behavior, and we remove content like violent threats, hate speech, sexual exploitation, doxxing, and other forms of harassment that violate our policies. If you are concerned about any content on TikTok that appears to bully people under 18 years old, please report it through this webform so we can obtain additional investigation details and send you updates via SMS or email within specified time periods.”\n\nNote: TikTok explicitly names 'doxxing' as a category of content it removes. The specific 'specified time periods' for under-18 webform follow-up are not stated on this page. For adult users, no dedicated response timeline is published. The general in-app reporting options include: account, post, comment, direct message, LIVE, and impersonation account.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.tiktok.com/support/faq_detail?id=7543604778400520710&category=web_account",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-03",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "TikTok",
      "evidence_quote": "We do not allow harassing, degrading, or bullying statements or behavior, and we remove content like violent threats, hate speech, sexual exploitation, doxxing, and other forms of harassment that violate our policies. If you are concerned about any content on TikTok that appears to bully people under 18 years old, please report it through this webform so we can obtain additional investigation details and send you updates via SMS or email within specified time periods.",
      "volatility": "medium",
      "from_batch": "73-harassment-and-stalking-response",
      "subject": "TikTok",
      "topic": "Reporting harassment, doxxing and bullying on TikTok; webform for under-18 bullying with follow-up timelines",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "applies_to_scope": "Global TikTok; under-18 webform appears US-focused",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "any",
        "region": [
          "any"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "unclassified"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r73_harassment_and_stalking_response_73_discord_parents_guardian_safety_reporting",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Reporting harassment to Discord Trust & Safety via support form; providing message links",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Discord requires a Message Link (URL) to identify reported content; users can submit reports via the support form at https://dis.gd/request; Discord Safety team reviews violations and takes enforcement including disabling accounts and engaging authorities where appropriate.",
      "body": "Discord requires a Message Link (URL) to identify reported content; users can submit reports via the support form at https://dis.gd/request; Discord Safety team reviews violations and takes enforcement including disabling accounts and engaging authorities where appropriate.\n\nWhat Discord actually says:\n\n“When we become aware of content that violates our Community Guidelines or Terms of Service, our Safety team reviews and takes the necessary enforcement actions, including: disabling accounts, removing servers, and when appropriate, engaging with the proper authorities.”\n\nNote: Message Link format must be: https://discordapp.com/channels/@me/[channel_id]/[message_id] for DMs or https://discordapp.com/channels/[server_id]/[channel_id]/[message_id] for server messages. Reports via https://dis.gd/request require selecting 'Trust & Safety' → report type.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/360000291932-How-to-Contact-Discord-Safety-for-Parents-and-Guardians",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-03",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Discord",
      "evidence_quote": "When we become aware of content that violates our Community Guidelines or Terms of Service, our Safety team reviews and takes the necessary enforcement actions, including: disabling accounts, removing servers, and when appropriate, engaging with the proper authorities.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "73-harassment-and-stalking-response",
      "subject": "Discord",
      "topic": "Reporting harassment to Discord Trust & Safety via support form; providing message links",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "applies_to_scope": "Global Discord",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "any",
        "region": [
          "any"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "unclassified"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r73_harassment_and_stalking_response_73_instagram_reporting_harassment_form",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Reporting harassment and bullying on Instagram; dedicated web form available",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Instagram provides a dedicated web reporting form for harassment and bullying of photos, videos, comments, and profiles; reporters can submit URLs of abusive content and a description of why it is abusive.",
      "body": "Instagram provides a dedicated web reporting form for harassment and bullying of photos, videos, comments, and profiles; reporters can submit URLs of abusive content and a description of why it is abusive.\n\nWhat Instagram / Meta actually says:\n\n“Fill out this form to report photos, videos, comments or profiles on Instagram that are bullying or harassing others. Please provide as many details as possible to help us review this issue.”\n\nNote: FINDING: Content URL is required to submit the form — users who were blocked by the harasser cannot see the content and must ask a friend to obtain the URL. Instagram states no response time for this form. Blackmail (threats to share private intimate images) is handled via a separate form at help.instagram.com/1443273235892548. Privacy violations (photos without consent) have a separate form at help.instagram.com/contact/504521742987441. Instagram does not state what action it will take or the timeline — it only asks for details.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://help.instagram.com/contact/188391886430254",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-03",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Instagram / Meta",
      "evidence_quote": "Fill out this form to report photos, videos, comments or profiles on Instagram that are bullying or harassing others. Please provide as many details as possible to help us review this issue.",
      "volatility": "medium",
      "from_batch": "73-harassment-and-stalking-response",
      "subject": "Instagram",
      "topic": "Reporting harassment and bullying on Instagram; dedicated web form available",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "applies_to_scope": "Global Instagram; form accessed via help.instagram.com/contact/188391886430254",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "any",
        "region": [
          "any"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "unclassified"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r73_harassment_and_stalking_response_73_instagram_blackmail_intimate_images",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Reporting sextortion and blackmail (threatened sharing of intimate images) on Instagram",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Instagram acknowledges that threatening to share intimate images without consent is 'wrong and against our rules'; victims are directed to report via a specific form and to contact local law enforcement; Instagram states the person being reported will not be notified.",
      "body": "Instagram acknowledges that threatening to share intimate images without consent is 'wrong and against our rules'; victims are directed to report via a specific form and to contact local law enforcement; Instagram states the person being reported will not be notified.\n\nWhat Instagram / Meta actually says:\n\n“Instagram wants you to know that it's wrong and against our rules for someone to share, or threaten to share, your intimate images, videos or messages without your consent. Report to Instagram: Report it by filling out this form. The person you're communicating with won't be notified. Instagram may be able to take action to help.”\n\nNote: Instagram says 'may be able to take action' — no specific action or timeline is stated. The page also directs US users to Thorn and general users to contact a friend, teacher, or relative. No recovery timeline is given.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://help.instagram.com/1443273235892548",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-03",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Instagram / Meta",
      "evidence_quote": "Instagram wants you to know that it's wrong and against our rules for someone to share, or threaten to share, your intimate images, videos or messages without your consent. Report to Instagram: Report it by filling out this form. The person you're communicating with won't be notified. Instagram may be able to take action to help.",
      "volatility": "medium",
      "from_batch": "73-harassment-and-stalking-response",
      "subject": "Instagram",
      "topic": "Reporting sextortion and blackmail (threatened sharing of intimate images) on Instagram",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "applies_to_scope": "Global Instagram",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "any",
        "region": [
          "any"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "unclassified"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r73_harassment_and_stalking_response_73_spokeo_optout_procedure",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Opt-out procedure for removing personal information from Spokeo listings",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Spokeo's opt-out process requires entering the URL of the specific profile page to be removed plus a verification email address; opt-out is processed in 24–48 hours; each listing has a unique URL and must be opted out individually; data may reappear from new public records without notice.",
      "body": "Spokeo's opt-out process requires entering the URL of the specific profile page to be removed plus a verification email address; opt-out is processed in 24–48 hours; each listing has a unique URL and must be opted out individually; data may reappear from new public records without notice.\n\nWhat Spokeo actually says:\n\n“To opt out a listing from Spokeo, please enter the URL of the profile. Depending on the nature of your request and the amount of data, your opt-out request should be processed in 24-48 hours. Opting out your listing from Spokeo will not remove the data from its original source. Your information may still appear on other websites. Furthermore, you may have multiple listings on Spokeo. Each one is identified by a unique URL and must be opted out individually. Since we continually receive new and updated records from public sources, your information may reappear on Spokeo in the future without notice.”\n\nNote: A confirmation email link must be clicked to complete the opt-out. The opt-out is not permanent — data can reappear. Spokeo explicitly states it aggregates 'only publicly available information from third party sources' and that 'publicly available data is exempt from state privacy laws.' Contact: privacy@spokeo.com.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.spokeo.com/optout",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-03",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Spokeo",
      "evidence_quote": "To opt out a listing from Spokeo, please enter the URL of the profile. Depending on the nature of your request and the amount of data, your opt-out request should be processed in 24-48 hours. Opting out your listing from Spokeo will not remove the data from its original source. Your information may still appear on other websites. Furthermore, you may have multiple listings on Spokeo. Each one is identified by a unique URL and must be opted out individually. Since we continually receive new and updated records from public sources, your information may reappear on Spokeo in the future without notice.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "73-harassment-and-stalking-response",
      "subject": "Spokeo (data broker)",
      "topic": "Opt-out procedure for removing personal information from Spokeo listings",
      "applies_to_country": "US",
      "applies_to_scope": "Spokeo aggregates US public records; international users email privacy@spokeo.com",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "any",
        "region": [
          "us"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "unclassified"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r73_harassment_and_stalking_response_73_whitepages_optout_procedure",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Opt-out procedure for removing personal information from Whitepages listings",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Whitepages provides a self-service opt-out accessible at whitepages.com/suppression-requests; the process requires copying and pasting the URL of the profile listing to be removed; no login is required to initiate the opt-out.",
      "body": "Whitepages provides a self-service opt-out accessible at whitepages.com/suppression-requests; the process requires copying and pasting the URL of the profile listing to be removed; no login is required to initiate the opt-out.\n\nWhat Whitepages actually says:\n\n“You can opt out and have your listing removed from the Whitepages website. Copy and paste the URL of your profile.”\n\nNote: The opt-out page shows a multi-step process (Step 1 of 5 visible at fetch). No processing timeline is stated on the fetched page. The previous /whitepages-optout/manage URL returned an error ('Sorry! The information you're searching for is not available') suggesting the opt-out flow requires an active listing URL to initiate. Note: Whitepages notes that data is also licensed to third-party services, so opting out of whitepages.com may not remove data from affiliated services.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.whitepages.com/suppression-requests",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-03",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Whitepages",
      "evidence_quote": "You can opt out and have your listing removed from the Whitepages website. Copy and paste the URL of your profile.",
      "volatility": "medium",
      "from_batch": "73-harassment-and-stalking-response",
      "subject": "Whitepages (data broker)",
      "topic": "Opt-out procedure for removing personal information from Whitepages listings",
      "applies_to_country": "US",
      "applies_to_scope": "Whitepages US; international removal may require different process",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "any",
        "region": [
          "us"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "unclassified"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r73_harassment_and_stalking_response_73_beenverified_optout_procedure",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Opt-out procedure for removing records from BeenVerified People Search",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] BeenVerified's opt-out process is free, requires no membership, and involves searching for the record, selecting it, and clicking a verification link in an email; records are typically removed within 24 hours of confirmation; only one record can be removed through the online form (additional records require emailing privacy@beenverified.com); data may reappear from new partner data.",
      "body": "BeenVerified's opt-out process is free, requires no membership, and involves searching for the record, selecting it, and clicking a verification link in an email; records are typically removed within 24 hours of confirmation; only one record can be removed through the online form (additional records require emailing privacy@beenverified.com); data may reappear from new partner data.\n\nWhat BeenVerified actually says:\n\n“BeenVerified provides a quick and easy process to allow you to remove your information from our People Search results. Just search our database and select the record you would like to opt-out. We will then send you a verification email. Next you simply need to confirm the request by clicking on the link in the verification email. After you verify, we will send you an email confirming that the record you selected has been opted out. Do I Have to Pay to Remove My Record? No, you never have to pay for the removal of your own record from BeenVerified's People Search results. How Long Does it Take for My Record to Be Removed? In most cases this will take 24 hours to take effect.”\n\nNote: LIMITATION: The online form permits removal of only one record; multiple records require contacting privacy@beenverified.com. Opt-out is NOT permanent — if a data partner provides a new non-matchable record, it may reappear. BeenVerified also has a Daniel's Law / Covered Persons pathway for judges, prosecutors, law enforcement. International users outside the US must email privacy@beenverified.com. The opt-out email address (used to send the verification link) is not shared or sold.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://support.beenverified.com/hc/en-us/articles/222411908-How-do-I-remove-my-name-from-BeenVerified-s-people-search-results",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-03",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "BeenVerified",
      "evidence_quote": "BeenVerified provides a quick and easy process to allow you to remove your information from our People Search results. Just search our database and select the record you would like to opt-out. We will then send you a verification email. Next you simply need to confirm the request by clicking on the link in the verification email. After you verify, we will send you an email confirming that the record you selected has been opted out. Do I Have to Pay to Remove My Record? No, you never have to pay for the removal of your own record from BeenVerified's People Search results. How Long Does it Take for My Record to Be Removed? In most cases this will take 24 hours to take effect.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "73-harassment-and-stalking-response",
      "subject": "BeenVerified (data broker)",
      "topic": "Opt-out procedure for removing records from BeenVerified People Search",
      "applies_to_country": "US",
      "applies_to_scope": "BeenVerified primarily aggregates US public records; international: email privacy@beenverified.com",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "any",
        "region": [
          "us"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "unclassified"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r73_harassment_and_stalking_response_73_law_us_federal_stalking_definition",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] US Department of Justice / Office on Violence Against Women: Federal US definition of stalking; reporting pathway for victims",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] The US federal definition of stalking is 'engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for his or her safety or the safety of others or suffer substantial emotional distress'; victims are directed to contact local law enforcement, and the national victim hotline is 855-484-2846.",
      "body": "The US federal definition of stalking is 'engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for his or her safety or the safety of others or suffer substantial emotional distress'; victims are directed to contact local law enforcement, and the national victim hotline is 855-484-2846.\n\nWhat US Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women actually says:\n\n“The term 'stalking' means engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for his or her safety or the safety of others or suffer substantial emotional distress. Contact your local police department to report stalking and stalking-related incidents and/or threats. OVW does not provide services directly to the general public.”\n\nNote: The DOJ definition aligns with the VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) federal definition. The page directs victims to local law enforcement and the Stalking Prevention, Awareness, & Resource Center (SPARC) at stalkingawareness.org for more information. OVW does not take individual reports — local law enforcement is the first point of contact.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.justice.gov/ovw/stalking",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-03",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "US Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women",
      "evidence_quote": "The term 'stalking' means engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for his or her safety or the safety of others or suffer substantial emotional distress. Contact your local police department to report stalking and stalking-related incidents and/or threats. OVW does not provide services directly to the general public.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "73-harassment-and-stalking-response",
      "subject": "US Department of Justice / Office on Violence Against Women",
      "topic": "Federal US definition of stalking; reporting pathway for victims",
      "applies_to_country": "US",
      "applies_to_scope": "Federal definition under VAWA; individual state laws may differ in elements and penalties",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "any",
        "region": [
          "us"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "unclassified"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r73_harassment_and_stalking_response_73_law_california_pc_646_9_stalking",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] California stalking and cyberstalking law: elements, penalties, definition of credible threat via electronic device",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Under California PC 646.9, stalking requires willful, malicious, and repeated following or harassment plus a credible threat made with intent to cause reasonable fear for the target's safety; credible threats explicitly include threats made through electronic communication devices; penalties range from county jail (misdemeanor) to state prison (felony).",
      "body": "Under California PC 646.9, stalking requires willful, malicious, and repeated following or harassment plus a credible threat made with intent to cause reasonable fear for the target's safety; credible threats explicitly include threats made through electronic communication devices; penalties range from county jail (misdemeanor) to state prison (felony).\n\nWhat California Legislature (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov) actually says:\n\n“Any person who willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows or willfully and maliciously harasses another person and who makes a credible threat with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear for their safety, or the safety of their immediate family, is guilty of the crime of stalking. For the purposes of this section, 'credible threat' means a verbal or written threat, including a threat performed through the use of an electronic communication device, or a threat implied by a pattern of conduct or a combination of verbal, written, or electronically communicated statements and conduct ... made with the intent to place the person that is the target of the threat in reasonable fear for their safety ... For the purposes of this section, the term 'electronic communication device' includes, but is not limited to, telephones, cellular phones, computers, video recorders, fax machines, or pagers.”\n\nNote: PC 646.9(b): violating with a restraining order in effect increases penalty to 2–4 years state prison. PC 646.9(k): sentencing court can issue a restraining order valid up to 10 years. Course of conduct requires 'two or more acts' (PC 646.9(f)). Cyberstalking is not a separate offense — electronic threats satisfy the credible threat element of PC 646.9.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=646.9.&lawCode=PEN",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-03",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "California Legislature (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov)",
      "evidence_quote": "Any person who willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows or willfully and maliciously harasses another person and who makes a credible threat with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear for their safety, or the safety of their immediate family, is guilty of the crime of stalking. For the purposes of this section, 'credible threat' means a verbal or written threat, including a threat performed through the use of an electronic communication device, or a threat implied by a pattern of conduct or a combination of verbal, written, or electronically communicated statements and conduct ... made with the intent to place the person that is the target of the threat in reasonable fear for their safety ... For the purposes of this section, the term 'electronic communication device' includes, but is not limited to, telephones, cellular phones, computers, video recorders, fax machines, or pagers.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "73-harassment-and-stalking-response",
      "subject": "California Penal Code § 646.9",
      "topic": "California stalking and cyberstalking law: elements, penalties, definition of credible threat via electronic device",
      "applies_to_country": "US",
      "applies_to_scope": "California only",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "any",
        "region": [
          "us-ca"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "unclassified"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r73_harassment_and_stalking_response_73_law_texas_penal_42_072_stalking",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Texas stalking law: elements, penalties — felony of third degree minimum",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Under Texas PC § 42.072, stalking requires conduct on more than one occasion under the same scheme directed at a specific person, that the actor knows the person will regard as threatening, that causes actual fear or distress, and that would cause a reasonable person to fear bodily injury/death or feel harassed; stalking is a felony of the third degree (2–10 years; up to $10,000 fine).",
      "body": "Under Texas PC § 42.072, stalking requires conduct on more than one occasion under the same scheme directed at a specific person, that the actor knows the person will regard as threatening, that causes actual fear or distress, and that would cause a reasonable person to fear bodily injury/death or feel harassed; stalking is a felony of the third degree (2–10 years; up to $10,000 fine).\n\nWhat Texas Legislature via FindLaw (statutory reprint) actually says:\n\n“A person commits an offense if the person, on more than one occasion and pursuant to the same scheme or course of conduct that is directed at a specific other person, knowingly engages in conduct that: (1) constitutes an offense under Section 42.07, or that the actor knows or reasonably should know the other person will regard as threatening: (A) bodily injury or death for the other person ... (2) causes the other person ... to be placed in fear of bodily injury or death ... or to feel harassed, terrified, intimidated, annoyed, alarmed, abused, tormented, embarrassed, or offended; and (3) would cause a reasonable person under circumstances similar to the circumstances of the other person to: (A) fear bodily injury or death for the person ... An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree, except that the offense is a felony of the second degree if the actor has previously been convicted of an offense under this section.”\n\nNote: Texas stalking is a straight felony — no misdemeanor option unlike California. Third-degree felony: 2–10 years imprisonment; second-degree (repeat offenders): 2–20 years. 'Property' definition includes pets and companion animals.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/penal-code/penal-sect-42-072/",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-03",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Texas Legislature via FindLaw (statutory reprint)",
      "evidence_quote": "A person commits an offense if the person, on more than one occasion and pursuant to the same scheme or course of conduct that is directed at a specific other person, knowingly engages in conduct that: (1) constitutes an offense under Section 42.07, or that the actor knows or reasonably should know the other person will regard as threatening: (A) bodily injury or death for the other person ... (2) causes the other person ... to be placed in fear of bodily injury or death ... or to feel harassed, terrified, intimidated, annoyed, alarmed, abused, tormented, embarrassed, or offended; and (3) would cause a reasonable person under circumstances similar to the circumstances of the other person to: (A) fear bodily injury or death for the person ... An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree, except that the offense is a felony of the second degree if the actor has previously been convicted of an offense under this section.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "73-harassment-and-stalking-response",
      "subject": "Texas Penal Code § 42.072",
      "topic": "Texas stalking law: elements, penalties — felony of third degree minimum",
      "applies_to_country": "US",
      "applies_to_scope": "Texas only",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "any",
        "region": [
          "us-tx"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "unclassified"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r73_harassment_and_stalking_response_73_law_uk_protection_from_harassment_stalking",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] UK Protection from Harassment Act 1997, s.2A: England and Wales stalking offence: elements, examples of stalking acts, penalties",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Section 2A of the UK Protection from Harassment Act 1997 creates a specific stalking offence requiring a course of conduct amounting to harassment where the acts are ones associated with stalking; examples of stalking acts include monitoring a person's internet or email use, publishing material about a person, contacting by any means, and watching or spying on a person; penalty on summary conviction is up to 51 weeks imprisonment or a fine.",
      "body": "Section 2A of the UK Protection from Harassment Act 1997 creates a specific stalking offence requiring a course of conduct amounting to harassment where the acts are ones associated with stalking; examples of stalking acts include monitoring a person's internet or email use, publishing material about a person, contacting by any means, and watching or spying on a person; penalty on summary conviction is up to 51 weeks imprisonment or a fine.\n\nWhat legislation.gov.uk (UK Government) actually says:\n\n“2A Offence of stalking E+W (1) A person is guilty of an offence if— (a) the person pursues a course of conduct in breach of section 1(1), and (b) the course of conduct amounts to stalking. (2) For the purposes of subsection (1)(b) a person's course of conduct amounts to stalking of another person if— (a) it amounts to harassment of that person, (b) the acts or omissions involved are ones associated with stalking. (3) The following are examples of acts or omissions which, in particular circumstances, are ones associated with stalking— (a) following a person, (b) contacting, or attempting to contact, a person by any means, (c) publishing any statement or other material— (i) relating or purporting to relate to a person, or (ii) purporting to originate from a person, (d) monitoring the use by a person of the internet, email or any other form of electronic communication ... (g) watching or spying on a person. (4) A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 51 weeks, or a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale, or both.”\n\nNote: Section 2A is the basic stalking offence (summary conviction only). Section 4A is the aggravated stalking offence (involving fear of violence or serious alarm/distress) triable either way — indictment carries up to 10 years imprisonment. s.2A(3)(c) explicitly captures doxxing-style acts: 'publishing any statement or other material relating or purporting to relate to a person.' Inserted by Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 s.111(1), in force 25 November 2012.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1997/40/section/2A",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-03",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "legislation.gov.uk (UK Government)",
      "evidence_quote": "2A Offence of stalking E+W (1) A person is guilty of an offence if— (a) the person pursues a course of conduct in breach of section 1(1), and (b) the course of conduct amounts to stalking. (2) For the purposes of subsection (1)(b) a person's course of conduct amounts to stalking of another person if— (a) it amounts to harassment of that person, (b) the acts or omissions involved are ones associated with stalking. (3) The following are examples of acts or omissions which, in particular circumstances, are ones associated with stalking— (a) following a person, (b) contacting, or attempting to contact, a person by any means, (c) publishing any statement or other material— (i) relating or purporting to relate to a person, or (ii) purporting to originate from a person, (d) monitoring the use by a person of the internet, email or any other form of electronic communication ... (g) watching or spying on a person. (4) A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 51 weeks, or a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale, or both.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "73-harassment-and-stalking-response",
      "subject": "UK Protection from Harassment Act 1997, s.2A",
      "topic": "England and Wales stalking offence: elements, examples of stalking acts, penalties",
      "applies_to_country": "GB",
      "applies_to_scope": "England and Wales; Scotland has its own stalking offence under the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "any",
        "region": [
          "uk"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "unclassified"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r73_harassment_and_stalking_response_73_law_canada_criminal_code_264_criminal_harassment",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Canadian criminal harassment law: elements, prohibited conduct, penalties",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Under Canada Criminal Code s.264, criminal harassment (stalking) requires knowingly or recklessly causing another person to fear for their safety through prohibited conduct including repeatedly following, repeatedly communicating, besetting the person's dwelling, or engaging in threatening conduct; it is an indictable offence punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment, or an offence punishable on summary conviction.",
      "body": "Under Canada Criminal Code s.264, criminal harassment (stalking) requires knowingly or recklessly causing another person to fear for their safety through prohibited conduct including repeatedly following, repeatedly communicating, besetting the person's dwelling, or engaging in threatening conduct; it is an indictable offence punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment, or an offence punishable on summary conviction.\n\nWhat Justice Canada (laws-lois.justice.gc.ca) actually says:\n\n“264(1) No person shall, without lawful authority and knowing that another person is harassed or recklessly as to whether the other person is harassed, engage in conduct referred to in subsection (2) that causes that other person reasonably, in all the circumstances, to fear for their safety or the safety of anyone known to them. (2) The conduct mentioned in subsection (1) consists of (a) repeatedly following from place to place the other person or anyone known to them; (b) repeatedly communicating with, either directly or indirectly, the other person or anyone known to them; (c) besetting or watching the dwelling-house, or place where the other person, or anyone known to them, resides, works, carries on business or happens to be; or (d) engaging in threatening conduct directed at the other person or any member of their family. (3) Every person who contravenes this section is guilty of (a) an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years.”\n\nNote: Subsection (b) — 'repeatedly communicating with, either directly or indirectly' — covers online harassment including social media messages. Subsection (4) requires courts to consider as an aggravating factor any breach of existing court orders. Canada's Criminal Code does not have a specific cyberstalking section distinct from s.264 — online conduct falls under 'repeatedly communicating.' A protective order under s.810 (peace bond) is available.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-46/section-264.html",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-03",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Justice Canada (laws-lois.justice.gc.ca)",
      "evidence_quote": "264(1) No person shall, without lawful authority and knowing that another person is harassed or recklessly as to whether the other person is harassed, engage in conduct referred to in subsection (2) that causes that other person reasonably, in all the circumstances, to fear for their safety or the safety of anyone known to them. (2) The conduct mentioned in subsection (1) consists of (a) repeatedly following from place to place the other person or anyone known to them; (b) repeatedly communicating with, either directly or indirectly, the other person or anyone known to them; (c) besetting or watching the dwelling-house, or place where the other person, or anyone known to them, resides, works, carries on business or happens to be; or (d) engaging in threatening conduct directed at the other person or any member of their family. (3) Every person who contravenes this section is guilty of (a) an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "73-harassment-and-stalking-response",
      "subject": "Canada Criminal Code, s.264",
      "topic": "Canadian criminal harassment law: elements, prohibited conduct, penalties",
      "applies_to_country": "CA",
      "applies_to_scope": "Federal Canadian law; applicable across all provinces and territories",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "any",
        "region": [
          "ca"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "unclassified"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r73_harassment_and_stalking_response_73_law_florida_784_048_stalking_cyberstalking",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Florida stalking and cyberstalking law: cyberstalking defined as electronic harassment causing substantial emotional distress; penalties",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Florida Statute § 784.048 defines cyberstalking as engaging in a course of conduct to communicate or cause to be communicated words, images, or language through electronic communication directed at a specific person, causing substantial emotional distress and serving no legitimate purpose; basic stalking is a first-degree misdemeanor; aggravated stalking (with credible threat or after injunction) is a third-degree felony.",
      "body": "Florida Statute § 784.048 defines cyberstalking as engaging in a course of conduct to communicate or cause to be communicated words, images, or language through electronic communication directed at a specific person, causing substantial emotional distress and serving no legitimate purpose; basic stalking is a first-degree misdemeanor; aggravated stalking (with credible threat or after injunction) is a third-degree felony.\n\nWhat Musca Law (legal commentary citing § 784.048 verbatim) actually says:\n\n“Under Section 784.048(1)(d), Florida Statutes, cyberstalking is defined as engaging in a course of conduct to communicate, or to cause to be communicated, words, images, or language by or through the use of electronic communication, directed at a specific person, causing substantial emotional distress and serving no legitimate purpose. Under Section 784.048(3), Florida Statutes, a person who willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows, harasses, or cyberstalks another commits the offense of stalking, which is typically a first-degree misdemeanor. Under Section 784.048(4), Florida Statutes, cyberstalking becomes a third-degree felony if: The person cyberstalks a victim after being issued a court injunction prohibiting such behavior. The person cyberstalks a minor under 16 years of age. The cyberstalking involves a credible threat to the victim's life or safety.”\n\nNote: Tier B source citing primary statutory text verbatim. The Florida statute itself (§ 784.048) was not directly fetched, but the law firm source provides verbatim statute text and citations. Florida's cyberstalking definition notably requires 'substantial emotional distress' — a higher emotional impact threshold than some other state laws.",
      "source_type": "research",
      "source_link": "https://www.muscalaw.com/blog/cyberstalking-felony-florida",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-03",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "B",
      "source_publisher": "Musca Law (legal commentary citing § 784.048 verbatim)",
      "evidence_quote": "Under Section 784.048(1)(d), Florida Statutes, cyberstalking is defined as engaging in a course of conduct to communicate, or to cause to be communicated, words, images, or language by or through the use of electronic communication, directed at a specific person, causing substantial emotional distress and serving no legitimate purpose. Under Section 784.048(3), Florida Statutes, a person who willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows, harasses, or cyberstalks another commits the offense of stalking, which is typically a first-degree misdemeanor. Under Section 784.048(4), Florida Statutes, cyberstalking becomes a third-degree felony if: The person cyberstalks a victim after being issued a court injunction prohibiting such behavior. The person cyberstalks a minor under 16 years of age. The cyberstalking involves a credible threat to the victim's life or safety.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "73-harassment-and-stalking-response",
      "subject": "Florida Statute § 784.048",
      "topic": "Florida stalking and cyberstalking law: cyberstalking defined as electronic harassment causing substantial emotional distress; penalties",
      "applies_to_country": "US",
      "applies_to_scope": "Florida only",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "any",
        "region": [
          "us-fl"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "unclassified"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    }
  ]
}