Virginia law prohibits the Commonwealth from publishing the personal information of certain public officials on the Internet if ordered by a court. Public officials can petition courts for such an order to protect their safety, and the law mandates prompt removal of information if published in violation. The law also specifies the duration of such demands and conditions for continued protection.
It protects certain public officials, such as law enforcement officers and attorneys, from having their personal information published online if they request it and a court orders protection.
They can petition a circuit court for an order prohibiting the publication, and if the court grants it, the Commonwealth must comply and remove any already published information.
The law requires the Commonwealth to remove the information from the Internet within 48 hours of receiving a written demand from the official.
The demand is effective for four years, provided the official remains continuously employed in their role during that period.