Whether the posting is part of harassment or threats
If the address is posted along with threats, insults, or calls for others to bother you, it may be treated more seriously than a one-time mention.
Short Answer
In Washington, repeatedly posting someone’s home address online after being blocked may raise legal concerns, but whether it is unlawful depends on the facts. In general, the law may treat this kind of conduct differently depending on whether the posts are public, threatening, harassing, intended to intimidate, or tied to another wrong such as stalking, harassment, or invasion of privacy. Blocking the person does not automatically end the problem if they continue to post the information through other accounts or platforms.
A key issue is whether the address is being shared as part of harassment or with the purpose of causing fear, pressure, or distress. If the posts are tied to threats, repeated unwanted contact, or efforts to get others to target you, that can make the situation more serious. Even if the address was obtained from a public source, repeated posting can still matter depending on context and intent.
Another important question is how the information is being used. If the former friend is simply mentioning an address in a casual way, that may be treated differently from posting the address alongside insults, threats, photos, or calls for others to contact or confront you. The overall pattern often matters more than any one post by itself.
Because Washington law and related federal or platform rules can be fact-specific, there is no single answer that fits every situation. The legality may depend on what was posted, how often it was posted, whether it was public or private, whether there were threats, and whether the conduct fits harassment or stalking concepts under Washington law. Rules may also differ in other states.
If the posts are ongoing, documenting them is often important. Screenshots, dates, usernames, URLs, and evidence of any threats or unwanted contact can help show the pattern. You may also want to preserve evidence before blocking or reporting the account, because content can disappear.
This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. If the posting is tied to threats, stalking, identity misuse, or safety concerns, talking with a Washington lawyer or local law enforcement may be appropriate.
What This Question Usually Means
People asking this usually want to know whether a former friend can legally continue sharing their home address online after a breakup in the friendship, especially after being blocked. The concern is often about privacy, harassment, intimidation, doxxing, stalking, or safety.
General Legal Rule
In general, posting someone’s address online is not automatically illegal by itself, but it may become unlawful depending on the surrounding facts. In Washington, repeated posting of an address after being blocked may be relevant if it is part of harassment, threats, stalking, intimidation, or another invasion of privacy-type claim. The context, intent, frequency, and consequences usually matter. State rules may differ elsewhere.
Key Factors
Whether the conduct is repeated
A single post may be viewed differently from repeated posting across multiple accounts, platforms, or dates. Repetition often matters in harassment-style situations.
Whether the person is trying to cause fear or distress
Intent can matter. If the former friend appears to be trying to intimidate, embarrass, or expose you to unwanted contact, that may increase legal concern.
Whether there are related safety issues
If the posting is tied to stalking, threats, unwanted in-person contact, or efforts to encourage others to approach you, it may be more serious.
Whether the address is private or widely available
Where the address came from may matter, but public availability does not always end the analysis. Reposting can still be problematic depending on the facts.
Whether the posts identify you in a harmful way
Posting an address by itself may be different from posting it with photos, personal details, workplace information, or defamatory claims.
What platform or medium is used
Social media, messaging apps, forums, and other sites may have their own reporting and removal processes. The medium may also affect how quickly evidence should be preserved.
Washington-specific legal standards
Washington law may address harassment, stalking, privacy, and threatening conduct in ways that other states do not. The legal analysis can vary based on state-specific rules.
When to Talk to a Lawyer
You may want to talk to a Washington lawyer if the posting is repeated, includes threats, is tied to stalking or unwanted visits, or is affecting your safety, housing, job, or daily life. A lawyer may also help if you are unsure whether the conduct fits harassment, privacy, or other legal protections. Because Washington rules can be fact-specific and state-specific, legal guidance may be especially helpful when the person keeps using new accounts or platforms after being blocked.
Find Washington Lawyers
Browse lawyer profiles in Washington before deciding who to contact about your situation.
Find Washington LawyersQuestions to Ask an Attorney
- Could this conduct potentially fit harassment, stalking, or another privacy-related claim in Washington?
- What facts matter most for showing the seriousness of repeated address posting?
- What evidence should I preserve before the posts are removed or deleted?
- Are there civil and criminal options that might apply, and how do they differ?
- What can I do if the person keeps using new accounts after being blocked?
- Are there any Washington-specific protections or court orders that might be available based on the facts?
- How should I document the impact on my safety, work, or housing?
- What steps can reduce the risk of further posting or escalation?
Documents and Evidence
Screenshots of each post
Screenshots can show the exact wording, the address used, timestamps, and whether the conduct was repeated.
Usernames, profile links, and URLs
These details may help identify the account and show that the same person or a connected account was responsible.
A timeline of incidents
A chronology can help show repetition, escalation, and the connection to blocking or other prior contact.
Messages, emails, or direct communications
These may help show threats, harassment, motives, or continued contact after being blocked.
Witness statements or copies of reshares
If others saw the posts or received the information, their observations may help establish the scope of the posting.
Records of safety concerns or disruptions
Police reports, workplace notices, housing issues, or notes about fear and disruption can help show impact.
Legal Disclaimer
This page is for general legal information only and is not legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and procedures may change and may vary by jurisdiction. You should talk to a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction about your specific situation.
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