Rhode Island General Laws Title 11. Criminal Offenses § 11-52-7.1. Online impersonation

(1) “ Commercial social networking site” means a business, organization, or other similar entity that operates a website and permits persons to become registered users for the purpose of establishing personal relationships with other users through direct or real-time communication with other users or the creation of web pages or profiles available to the public or to other users.

(2) “ Electronic mail” means an electronic mail message sent through the use of an electronic mail program or a message board program.

(3) “ Identifying information” means information that alone, or in conjunction with other information, identifies a person, including a person's:

(4) “ Public official” means a person elected by the public, or elected or appointed by a governmental body, or an appointed official in the executive, legislative, or judicial branch of the state or any political subdivision thereof.

(1) Uses the name or persona of another person to create a web page on or to post one or more messages on a commercial social networking site or sends an electronic mail, instant message, text message, or similar communication without obtaining the other person's consent and with the intent to harm, defraud, intimidate, or threaten any person;

(2) Sends an electronic mail, instant message, text message, or similar communication that references a name, domain address, telephone number, or other item of identifying information belonging to any person without obtaining the other person's consent with the intent to cause a recipient of the communication to reasonably believe that the other person authorized or transmitted the communication and with the intent to harm or defraud any person; or

(3) Uses the name or persona of a public official to create a web page on, or to post one or more messages on, a commercial social networking site or sends an electronic mail, instant message, text message, or similar communication without obtaining the public official's consent and with the intent to induce another to submit to such pretended official authority, to solicit funds, or otherwise to act in reliance upon that pretense to the other person's detriment.