New Calif. Law Shields Witness Info From Web
California signed into a law this week legislation that will make it easier for officials to protect witnesses from gangs able to access witness information on the Web.
The legislation, championed by San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris, enables law enforcement to target individuals or companies that disclose phone numbers, addresses or other identifying information of protected witnesses, the Recorder reports.
The law makes it a misdemeanor to post information disclosing the location of witnesses or their family members if the intent is to injure or incite violence. Fines and jail time increase if the targeted individuals are harmed.
“This bill really brings California statutes into the 21st century. We know for a fact that gangs and other violent perpetrators are using the Internet to bring down those who participate in our Witness Relocation and Assistance Program,” explains Sen. Mark Leno, who authored the SB 748 (PDF).
The Recorder reports that the legislation was preventative. The state has 500 active witness protection cases, with 90 people in the program administered by Harris’ office.
