Louisiana is poised to enact one of the nation’s broadest online privacy laws for public officials—empowering hundreds of state leaders, district attorneys, retirees, and even their live-in relatives to sue or press criminal charges if basic personal information isn’t taken offline upon request, Louisiana Illuminator writes.
Beginning in February, individuals will have 72 hours to remove protected details such as home addresses, phone numbers, spouses’ workplaces, and even places of worship. Governments will have 15 days to comply.
Supporters frame the move as a necessary response to rising political violence, citing high-profile attacks on judges. But Louisiana’s version goes far beyond similar statutes in 38 other states: It covers far more officials, applies to nearly any type of online content—including news stories—and carries penalties of up to 90 days in jail per violation.
Free-speech advocates warn the measure is “wildly unconstitutional,” likely to spur costly litigation and chill political reporting, commentary and citizen speech.
