I live in the U.S.A. and don’t have a car. This means that I bike/skate/walk nearly everywhere.

Road conditions seen to have gotten worse to the point where nearly every day I’m almost hit by an irresponsible car driver.

When I’m not walking, I have a dashcam that captures the cars, license plates, and even faces.

I want to develop an app/community that allows you to report these dangerous drivers, complete with their faces whenever possible.

However as I look at other similar projects, I haven’t found any that allow this. Why is this?

According to this source:

There isn’t a satisfying “yes” or “no” answer to whether doxxing is illegal.

Generally speaking, the First Amendment of the United States Constitution protects individuals’ right to publish information that is considered a matter of public concern. However, if it isn’t a matter of public concern and/or it was published with malicious intent (to intimidate or cause harm), it’s no longer protected by the First Amendment.

Would I get in legal trouble by starting this app/community?

It doesn’t seem fair that they can continue to harm or almost harm us pedestrians/skaters/bikers without possible recourse.

My goal with the app would be to make people aware of these drivers, because it’s of public concern.

Does something like this exist already? If not, why not? What possible ramifications would there be for this type of app? Thank you in advance.

  • papalonian@lemmy.world
    8·
    2 days ago

    My goal with the app would be to make people aware of these drivers, because it’s of public concern.

    How does having the face and license plate number of a dangerous driver going to make a biker or skater safer? Do you look at a car’s license plate and refer to a list of safe and dangerous drivers before deciding your next move? If not, I don’t think having identifying information makes the public any more aware than videos with that information removed.

    Something like this just has way too high of a potential to be abused, while offering very little in terms of public safety outside of the encouragement of vigilante justice.

    Imagine this: you’re a perfectly safe driver, and a biker makes an unsafe move. Their camera doesn’t capture the full picture, but shows the biker almost get hit by your car. Now the internet is on a witch hunt with your face and license plate number because “YOu cOuLd haVe kiLLeD hiM!!!”

  • spaghettiwestern@sh.itjust.works
    15·
    2 days ago

    It’d be a great app, but people can sue anyone for any reason at all including just being pissed off. I don’t think you’d be subject to prosecution but can’t imagine you’d be able to do this without eventually having to hire a lawyer.

    • maplesyrup@reddthat.comOP
      2·
      2 days ago

      Nextdoor takes down these kinds of posts soon after they are posted. Sometimes they do stay up for a few days, but eventually are taken down.