The following letter to the editor published in the Idaho Press on July 19, 2025. 

In the wake of recent assassinations and political violence, Idaho Republican leaders have received threats serious enough to prompt FBI involvement. Sadly, ideologically motivated targeting is becoming a growing danger for all Americans, not just political leaders and elected officials.

Privacy laws written decades ago never anticipated today’s world, where a person’s home address, phone number, and political activities, including donations, can be uncovered with a few clicks. What used to require formal records requests is now instantly searchable and easily weaponized by activists bent on intimidation.

Transparency in government is important, but so is protecting individuals from harassment and violence. The digital age demands new safeguards. Idaho should join other states in auditing what personal information is made public online and shielding home addresses from public portals. Updating these laws doesn’t weaken accountability; it strengthens our ability to participate in civic life without fear.

We can preserve open government and protect privacy at the same time. Idaho lawmakers should act now to ensure outdated laws don’t put public servants and private citizens in harm’s way.

Heather Lauer

CEO, People United for Privacy Foundation