H 73 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act relative to filing slander against anonymous parties on the internet

HD 663 requires online platforms and internet service providers (third parties) to disclose the real names and contact information of anonymous users who allegedly commit online slander or defamation, if a plaintiff provides a sworn statement of intent to sue. Platforms must release this information within 10 days of a valid request or face a court order and potential penalties for non-compliance. This bill directly affects plaintiffs seeking to sue anonymous online speakers and the platforms hosting the anonymous content. It creates a streamlined process for obtaining identifying information to initiate legal action, without changing defamation law itself.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Feb 2025
Senate Passage
Feb 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2025 Last action Nov 3, 2025
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
4
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 27, 2025
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to the committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity
lower
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor

Sponsors