MARYLAND (WBFF) — Online hate, harassment and cyberbullying can quickly escalate from offensive posts to threats, stalking or other conduct that puts people at risk. Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown released a new public guidance document aimed at helping Maryland residents and organizations respond when that happens.
The document, “Responding to Online Hate, Harassment, and Cyberbullying in Maryland,” is designed for residents, families, schools, businesses, nonprofits and community groups.
It outlines practical steps people can take to preserve evidence, report harmful conduct, assess safety risks and understand when legal protections or reporting options may apply.
“Online hate and harassment aren’t just words on a screen: they can cause real harm to Marylanders and strike fear in the hearts of their loved ones,” Brown said. “This guidance gives Marylanders the tools to protect themselves and preserve their rights, and know that when hatred follows them online, this Office will be in their corner.”
The guidance describes a range of online conduct, including direct threats of violence, doxxing, cyberstalking, mass anonymous text messages, impersonation, deepfakes, review-bombing and school-related cyberbullying.
It also explains the legal distinction between hateful or offensive speech that may be protected by the First Amendment and unlawful conduct such as true threats, stalking, harassment, incitement, extortion, or conduct that interferes with access to housing, employment, education or places open to the public.
The document includes tools tailored for individuals, families, schools, youth organizations, small businesses, nonprofits and event organizers.
The guidance was developed by the Office of the Attorney General’s Civil Rights Division in collaboration with the Maryland Commission on Hate Crime Response and Prevention. It also explains the roles of the Civil Rights Division, the Maryland Commission on Hate Crime Response and Prevention, the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights, local human rights agencies, schools, law enforcement and other community resources.
Marylanders who are in immediate danger should call 911. People seeking to report a hate crime or hate bias incident may contact the Civil Rights Division by submitting a complaint through the Civil Rights Complaint Form, calling the Hate Crimes Hotline at 1-866-481-8361, emailing stophate@oag.maryland.gov, or using the No Home for Hate reporting portal.
A Spanish version of the guidance is also available.
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