# Summary of H.R. 9857: Protecting Americans from Doxing and Political Violence Act
This bill aims to protect Members of Congress, their families, and congressional staff from having sensitive personal information publicly disclosed online, a practice known as doxing. The legislation defines "covered information" broadly to include home addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, Social Security numbers, vehicle license plates, children's identities, school locations and schedules, and precise location data. At-risk individuals—including current and former Members of Congress, their immediate family members, designated congressional employees, and anyone living in their households—can request that government agencies and data brokers remove this information from public records and databases within 72 hours of receiving the request.
The bill places requirements on three categories of entities: government agencies must comply with removal requests, data brokers are prohibited from selling or licensing covered information about any U.S. person, and other businesses and websites must remove the information and stop transferring it to third parties after receiving a written request. The legislation includes carve-outs for legitimate news reporting, information voluntarily published by the individuals themselves, and information required by federal law. Violations can result in legal action by the Attorney General, state attorneys general, or affected individuals seeking injunctive or declaratory relief. The bill does not specify funding amounts or implementation timelines beyond the 72-hour removal deadline.