Louisiana Private Investigator Licensing Practice Exam

What defines online impersonation under R.S. 14:73.10?

1. Only targeting real persons with consent

2. Impersonating fictional characters is legal

3. Intent to harm, intimidate, or defraud without consent

4. Engaging in harmless pranks online

The correct answer is: Intent to harm, intimidate, or defraud without consent

Online impersonation under R.S. 14:73.10 is defined as the act of impersonating another individual with the intent to harm, intimidate, or defraud that person or the public, and this impersonation is done without the consent of the person being impersonated. This provision highlights the seriousness of the offense, focusing on the intent behind the impersonation rather than the identity of the person being impersonated. This definition underscores the potential consequences of online impersonation, which can lead to various forms of emotional harm, intimidation, or financial fraud. By specifying that the action must occur without consent, the law reinforces the idea that individuals have a right to control their identity and how it is represented in the digital space. The other options do not align with the legal definition presented in R.S. 14:73.10. For instance, targeting real persons with consent is not considered impersonation in this context; impersonation must occur without someone's consent to constitute an offense. The notion that impersonating fictional characters is legal fails to acknowledge that the legal scope of impersonation focuses on real individuals and the potential harm to those individuals. Lastly, engaging in harmless pranks does not meet the criteria of intent to harm or defraud, which