Chapter 25: Slander and Libel · Not amended since adoption on record · Last verified August 3, 2026
In one sentenceCreates civil liability for knowingly using someone's name, voice, signature, photo, or likeness on social media to build a false identity meant to harm, intimidate, threaten, or defraud them, allowing an injunction at filing and a punitive-damages floor of $500 per person, with exemptions for satire and parody.
1."Photograph" means any photograph or photographic reproduction, still or moving, or any videotape or live television transmission of any person, such that the person is readily identifiable. A person shall be deemed to be readily identifiable from a photograph when one who views the photograph with the naked eye can reasonably determine that the person depicted in the photograph is the same person who is complaining of its unauthorized use, or the person on whose behalf a complaint is being made; and
2."Social media" means forms of electronic communication through which users create online communities to share information, ideas, personal messages and other content.
B.Any person who knowingly uses another's name, voice, signature, photograph or likeness through social media to create a false identity without such person's consent, or in the case of a minor the consent of his or her parent or legal guardian, for the purpose of harming, intimidating, threatening or defrauding such person, shall be liable for online impersonation and liable for any damages sustained by the person or persons injured as a result thereof; provided, however, there shall be no liability for any online impersonation for which the sole purpose is satire or parody.
C.At the time of filing a petition for an action pursuant to this section, the plaintiff may request an automatic injunction preventing the continued use of the plaintiff's name, voice, signature, photograph or likeness. The plaintiff may be awarded damages as provided in subsection D of this section.
D.Actual damages shall include, but not be limited to, funds spent related to counseling, identity theft or libel. Any profits from the unauthorized use of such person's likeness that are attributable to the use may be considered in the computation of actual damages. Punitive damages of no less than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) per individual may be awarded to the injured party or parties. The prevailing party in any action under this section shall be entitled to attorney fees and costs.
E.This section shall not apply to law enforcement agencies or their employees acting within the scope of their employment investigating Internet crimes. Nothing in this section shall be construed to impose liability on an interactive computer service, as defined in 47 U.S.C.230(f), for content provided by another person.
F.The remedies provided for in this section are cumulative and shall be in addition to any others provided for by law.
Amendment History
Added by Laws 2016, c. 291, s. 2, eff. 11/1/2016.
Plain-English Summary
Section 1450 targets impersonation carried out through social media. Someone who knowingly uses another person's name, voice, signature, photo, or likeness -- without their consent, or a minor's parent or guardian's consent -- to create a false identity for the purpose of harming, intimidating, threatening, or defrauding that person is liable for online impersonation and for the resulting damages. The statute expressly exempts conduct whose sole purpose is satire or parody.
A plaintiff can ask for an automatic injunction against the continued use as soon as the petition is filed. Actual damages can include, among other things, money spent on counseling or dealing with identity theft or libel, and any profits the impersonator made from the unauthorized use may factor into that award. Punitive damages start at a floor of five hundred dollars per individual, and the prevailing party recovers attorney's fees and costs.
Two carve-outs limit the statute's reach. It doesn't apply to law enforcement agencies or employees investigating internet crimes within the scope of their jobs, and it doesn't impose liability on an "interactive computer service" -- the federal term for platforms like social media services -- for content someone else provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as "online impersonation" under Oklahoma law?
Knowingly using another person's name, voice, signature, photo, or likeness on social media to create a false identity, without their consent, for the purpose of harming, intimidating, threatening, or defrauding them.
Can you get a court order to stop a fake profile right away?
Yes. The plaintiff may request an automatic injunction preventing continued use of their identity at the same time they file the petition.
Is parody protected from this law?
Yes. The statute provides that there's no liability for online impersonation when the sole purpose is satire or parody.
Can you sue a social media platform for someone else's fake profile?
No. The statute says nothing in it imposes liability on an interactive computer service, as federal law defines that term, for content another person provided.
What damages can you recover for online impersonation?
Actual damages -- which can include counseling costs or expenses from identity theft or libel -- plus punitive damages of at least $500 per individual, and attorney's fees and costs if you prevail.
Source & verification. Section text is reproduced verbatim from
Title 12 of the Oklahoma Statutes, enacted by the Oklahoma Legislature.
Last verified August 3, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as:oklahoma online impersonation law12 O.S. § 1450fake social media profile lawsuit oklahomacatfishing statute oklahoma