Relating to civil liability for online impersonation.
If enacted, HB 783 would create a new chapter in the Civil Practice and Remedies Code, targeting online impersonation. The bill allows for claimants to seek recovery of actual damages, including expenses related to counseling or identity theft, and further permits the recovery of exemplary damages. This legislative change could have significant implications for social media users in Texas, as it provides them with a legal avenue to combat false representation online, potentially reducing instances of online harassment and identity-related fraud.
House Bill 783 aims to establish civil liability for individuals engaged in online impersonation, specifically addressing the unauthorized use of someone's name, voice, or likeness through social media platforms. The bill introduces new definitions and sets forth clear criteria under which a person can be held liable for such impersonation, particularly when it is done with malicious intent to harm, defraud, or intimidate the impersonated individual. By providing this legal framework, the bill seeks to protect individuals from the harmful effects of online impersonation and enhance accountability in digital communications.
Notably, the bill outlines exceptions for cases where online impersonation is executed solely for the purpose of satire or parody, which could raise discussions about the balance between protecting individuals and preserving freedom of expression. Additionally, the statute explicitly excludes law enforcement agencies from its purview when they are conducting investigations related to internet crimes. As such, there could be debates surrounding the scope of the bill and concerns about its enforcement and potential overreach.
Civil Practice And Remedies Code