Doxing facts for kids

Doxing is when someone finds and shares private information about a person or group online. This information is then put together and posted for others to see. The goal of doxing is often to cause trouble, like harassment or intimidation, for the person being targeted.

People usually dox others because they feel wronged or want revenge. They might want to embarrass or expose their target. Doxing can be used for different reasons. Sometimes, it's used to help police, but it can also be used to help people who want to cause harm.

Doxing can lead to serious problems. People who are doxed might face years of harassment. They might even have to move homes or change their phone numbers. Being doxed also makes it easier for someone to steal your identity.

Doxing: What It Is

Doxing means gathering personal details about someone and sharing them publicly online. This information can include things like a person's real name, home address, workplace, or phone number. The word "dox" comes from "documents," referring to the collection of these details.

When someone is "doxed," their private life can become very public. This can make them feel unsafe and vulnerable. It's important to remember that not all information found online is meant to be shared widely.

How Doxing Works

Doxing often involves searching public websites and online records. People might look at social media profiles, public databases, or news articles. They then put all this information together. The goal is to create a full picture of the person they are targeting.

Sometimes, people might use more advanced methods to find information. However, most doxing relies on details that are already available somewhere online. The danger comes from combining these pieces of information and sharing them widely.

Why People Dox Others

People dox others for many reasons, but it's often linked to strong feelings.

• Revenge: Someone might feel hurt or angry by another person's actions. Doxing can be seen as a way to get back at them.
• Disagreement: In online arguments, some people might dox others to try and silence them. They might want to scare or embarrass the person they disagree with.
• Vigilantism: Sometimes, people dox others because they believe the person has done something wrong. They might try to expose them to public judgment.

It's important to know that even if someone feels justified, doxing can cause serious harm.

The Dangers of Doxing

Being doxed can have very serious consequences for the person targeted.

• Harassment: Once personal information is online, others might use it to send hateful messages or threats.
• Privacy Loss: A person's sense of safety and privacy can be completely destroyed. They might feel like they are constantly being watched.
• Identity Theft: With enough personal details, criminals might try to steal a person's identity. This can lead to financial problems and other issues.
• Real-World Harm: In some cases, doxing has led to people being physically threatened or having to move.

Doxing and the Law

The legality of doxing can be complicated and depends on many factors.

• Public Information: In many places, it's not illegal to share information that is already public. This includes things like names or addresses found in public records.
• Private Information: It is illegal to share truly private information, such as Social Security numbers or private phone numbers.
• Intent to Harm: If doxing is done with the clear intent to harass, threaten, or cause harm, it can be illegal. Laws against cyberbullying and harassment might apply.

Laws vary from place to place, so what is legal in one area might not be in another.

A Brief History of Doxing

Doxing started in the 1980s and 1990s within early internet communities.

• Hackers: It was first used by computer hackers. They would "drop docs" (short for documents) on rival hackers. This was a way to expose their real identities and silence them.
• BBS Communities: These early online groups, called Bulletin Board Systems (BBS), were where doxing first became known. It was a way to intimidate people in these online spaces.

Over time, as the internet grew, doxing became more widespread.

Doxing in Today's World

Today, doxing is often seen in online arguments and political discussions.

• Political Dissent: Some people use doxing as a way to protest or attack those with different political views.
• Cancel Culture: Doxing has become a part of "cancel culture." This is where people try to get someone removed from their job or public platform due to their actions or opinions.

It's important for young people to understand the risks of sharing information online. Both their own information and the information of others.

See also

In Spanish: Doxing para niños