Today in Olympia, the WTIA testified in favor of a proposal to allow individuals who have been victimized on social networks or online bulletin boards sue for harm caused by being impersonated online.

Substitute House Bill 1652, sponsored by Sen. David Frockt, attempts to provide a civil remedy for those who have been victimized online by being falsely impersonated.

If you are interested in reading this bill, you can find it here:  http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2011-12/Pdf/Bills/House%20Bills/1652-S.pdf and other related documents here: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1652&year=2011

WTIA supported this bill last year but it failed to make it through the state Senate after passing unanimously from the state House of Representatives.  Barring any unforeseen snafus, this bill should make it through the legislative process this session.

If you'd like to know more about this bill or other legislation that WTIA is involved in, please contact us at Lmcmurran@washingtontechnology.org