Doxing, also known as doxxing, refers to the act of revealing identifying information about someone online, such as their real name, home address, workplace, phone number, financial details, and other personal information. This information is then circulated publicly without the victim’s consent. While the practice of revealing personal information predates the internet, the term “doxing” first emerged in the world of online hackers in the 1990s when anonymity was considered sacred. Feuds between rival hackers sometimes led to someone deciding to “drop docs” on somebody else who had previously only been known by a username or alias. Over time, “docs” became “dox,” and the term expanded beyond the hacker community to describe personal information exposure.
Doxing attacks can range from relatively trivial actions like fake email sign-ups or pizza deliveries to far more dangerous ones, such as harassing a person’s family or employer, identity theft, threats, cyberbullying, or even in-person harassment. Celebrities, politicians, journalists, company executives and people who hold a view different to the majority have all been targets of doxing. The motivations behind doxing vary; some people feel attacked or insulted by their target and seek revenge as a result.
It’s essential to recognise that doxing is harmful and unethical. Revealing someone’s private information without their consent can have severe consequences for the victim’s safety and well-being. As responsible internet users, we should respect privacy and avoid participating in or supporting such harmful practices..
