Doxxing, short for “dropping dox” (documents), is the act of publicly exposing someone’s private information without their consent.

Doxxing

What it entails:

Private Information: Personal data like addresses, phone numbers, emails, social security numbers, or other sensitive details.

Public Sharing: The information is shared on public platforms like social media, forums, or any accessible website. The intent is often malicious.

Without Consent: This is done without the permission of the individual whose information is being exposed.

Consequences:

Safety Risks: The person’s physical safety is at risk. This is due to exposure of their location or phone number. Such exposure leads to harassment or stalking.

Emotional Distress: Knowing that private details are publicly available can cause significant stress and anxiety.

Financial Risks: Exposure of financial information can lead to identity theft or fraud.

Reputational Damage: Shared information is used to tarnish an individual’s reputation, affecting their personal and professional lives.

Prevention:

Privacy Settings: Regularly review and adjust privacy settings on all online accounts.

Limited Sharing: Be cautious about sharing personal information online.

Awareness: Stay informed about the risks and ways of doxxing.

If you ever find yourself a victim of doxxing, seek support from trusted individuals. Report the incident to the relevant platforms and authorities. It’s important to act quickly to mitigate the risks.