A new law makes it illegal in California to maliciously impersonate someone online. The law is designed to crack down on cyber-bullying and would apply to cases like that of Elizabeth Thrasher. Perpetrators can also face criminal charges — up to a US$1,000 fine and a year’s imprisonment. Law is not designed to prohibit parody or satire, but some worry that it could have a chilling effect nevertheless. Law takes effect Jan. 1, 2011, and some fear it could be used to squelch free speech.”]
Source: https://www.csoonline.com/article/2125980/california-bans-malicious-online-impersonation.html