What is Doxxing?

These days we hear a lot about doxxing, but not many of us understand what it is, or what its implications are. Simply put, doxxing is a form of online harassment in which personal information is collected and published online without the subject’s consent. It is commonly used to target and intimidate public figures, but it can also be used to target individuals involved in sensitive – or even private – conversations or debates.

A Brief History of Doxxing

The origin of doxxing is murky and hard to pin down, but the term has its roots in hacker culture. As far back as the 1980s, hackers were trading personal information online and using it to target specific individuals. The term “doxx” comes from “document”, as in documents containing personal information. So, the word “doxxing” was coined to describe the practice of collecting, compiling, and sharing personal documents about an individual for malicious reasons.

The Impact of Doxxing

Doxxing is a powerful tool for those who would wish to target and intimidate individuals for personal gain or revenge. By doxxing their victims, doxxers can attempt to embarrass their targets, damage their reputations, or even threaten their livelihoods. Doxxing can be used to target someone without their knowledge or consent, making it a particularly insidious form of online harassment.

Furthermore, doxxing is especially problematic because of its potential to endanger the victims’ safety. Once a victim’s personal information is out in the open, it can be used to target or track them in real life. This can put victims at risk of physical violence or other forms of harassment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, doxxing is a form of online harassment in which personal information is published without the consent of the subject. It has its roots in hacker culture and has become a powerful tool for those who would seek to target and intimidate their victims. It can be used to damage an individual’s reputation or even threaten their safety, making it a particularly serious and dangerous form of harassment.