What is Doxed?
“Doxed” is a slang term used to describe the act of researching and broadcasting personally identifiable information about an individual or organization without their consent. This information can include details such as a person’s name, address, phone number, email, social media profiles, and more. Doxing is often done with malicious intent, such as harassment, intimidation, or public shaming.
How Doxing Works
Typically, doxing involves scouring the internet for public records, social media posts, and other sources of information to compile a detailed profile of the target. This information is then shared on public forums, social media platforms, or other online channels to expose the target to potential harm or embarrassment.
Examples of Doxing
One high-profile case of doxing occurred in 2014 when a group of hackers leaked the personal information of celebrities, including their private photos, leading to the infamous “Fappening” scandal. In another instance, a journalist was doxed by a political group after reporting a controversial story, resulting in threats against her and her family.
Impact of Doxing
Doxing can have severe consequences for the victims, including online harassment, real-life threats, stalking, and even identity theft. In some cases, victims may have to change their identities or go into hiding to escape the repercussions of being doxed.
Preventing Doxing
Protecting your online privacy is crucial to prevent being doxed. Some tips to safeguard your information include using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, limiting the personal information you share online, and being cautious about the websites you visit and the links you click.
Conclusion
Doxing is a serious privacy violation that can have lasting consequences for its victims. It is important to be aware of the risks and take proactive steps to protect your personal information online.
