Once again, California is leading the nation in progressive and controversial policies – this one addresses online impersonations.

A New California bill, SB 1411, effective 1/1/11, provides that any person who knowingly and without consent credibly impersonates another actual person through or on an Internet Web site or by other electronic means, as specified, for purposes of harming, intimidating, threatening, or defrauding another person is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Is this essentially trademark protection for individuals? What legislation is coming next?