Internet Law in Missouri
This page covers internet law as it applies in Missouri — the state and federal laws that govern it, filing deadlines, where to get help, and notable in-state decisions. For what internet protects generally, see the national overview.
Compiled from primary legal sourcesNot legal adviceHow we source this
Laws that govern internet in Missouri
Missouri state law
- Title XXXVIII — Crimes and Punishment; Peace Officers and Public Defenders › Chapter 570 — Robbery, Stealing and Related OffensesMO 570 § 570.030
Cited in 29 court decisions on this topic's terms.
- Title XXXVIII — Crimes and Punishment; Peace Officers and Public Defenders › Chapter 569 — Arson, Burglary, Trespass, and Related OffensesMO 569 § 569.010
Cited in 25 court decisions on this topic's terms.
- Title XXXIX — Conduct of Public Business › Chapter 610 — Governmental Bodies and RecordsMO 610 § 610.010
Cited in 13 court decisions on this topic's terms.
- Title XXXVIII — Crimes and Punishment; Peace Officers and Public Defenders › Chapter 570 — Robbery, Stealing and Related OffensesMO 570 § 570.010
Cited in 8 court decisions on this topic's terms.
- Title XXVI — Trade and Commerce › Chapter 407 — Merchandising PracticesMO 407 § 407.825
Cited in 5 court decisions on this topic's terms.
- Title XXXVII — Criminal Procedure › Chapter 542 — Proceedings to Preserve the Peace — Searches and SeizuresMO 542 § 542.301
Cited in 5 court decisions on this topic's terms.
Federal law
- Title 17 — Copyrights
The U.S. Code title that houses these federal statutes.
- Title 47 — Telegraphs, Telephones, and Radiotelegraphs
The U.S. Code title that houses these federal statutes.
- Communications Decency Act § 230
Federal law that immunizes interactive computer services from liability for third-party content. Foundational to the modern Internet. Codified at 47 U.S.C. § 230.
- Computer Fraud and Abuse Act
Federal anti-hacking statute. Criminalizes unauthorized access to "protected computers" and computer-based fraud. Codified at 18 U.S.C. § 1030.
- Digital Millennium Copyright Act
Federal law that implements two 1996 WIPO treaties. Criminalizes circumvention of access controls and establishes the safe harbor for online service providers. Codified at 17 U.…
- CAN-SPAM Act of 2003
Sets the national standard for commercial email, requires unsubscribe options and accurate headers. Codified at 15 U.S.C. §§ 7701–7713.
- Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986
Federal law extending restrictions on government wiretaps to include electronic data transmitted by computer. Includes the Wiretap Act, Stored Communications Act, and Pen Regist…
- Privacy Act of 1974
Governs federal-agency collection, use, and disclosure of personally identifiable information. Codified at 5 U.S.C. § 552a.
- Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998
Imposes parental-consent and notice requirements on online services collecting personal information from children under 13. Codified at 15 U.S.C. §§ 6501–6506.
- Video Privacy Protection Act of 1988
Restricts disclosure of personally identifiable information by videotape service providers; now actively litigated against streaming platforms. Codified at 18 U.S.C. § 2710.
- Clarifying Lawful Overseas Use of Data Act
Allows U.S. law enforcement to compel disclosure of data stored abroad by U.S.-based providers; authorizes executive agreements with foreign governments. Codified at 18 U.S.C. §…
Where to go & how to get help
Government agencies and non-profit legal-help organizations for internet in Missouri.
Official U.S. government starting point for finding free or low-cost legal help and legal-aid programs near you.
Locate the LSC-funded legal-aid organization that serves your county for civil (non-criminal) legal problems.
Find your state or local bar association lawyer-referral service and free legal-answer programs.
Find your state attorney general to file consumer-protection, civil-rights, or other complaints.
Not legal advice. State-specific statutes, deadlines and procedures are being sourced and will appear here.