Doxing

• The government response comes after the public release of almost 600 names and private chat logs of a WhatsApp group of Australian Jewish creative artists discussing the Israel-Hamas war.
• While we wait for new penalties for doxers under the federal Privacy Act review, understanding doxing and its harms can help.

What is doxing?

• This includes information that may put users at risk of harm, especially names, addresses, employment details, medical or financial records, and names of family members.
• The Australian government currently defines doxing as the “malicious release” of people’s private information without their consent.
• Doxing began as a form of unmasking anonymous users, trolls and those using hate speech while hiding behind a pseudonym.

Why is doxing harmful?

• In the context of the Israel-Hamas war, doxing has affected both Jewish and pro-Palestinian communities and activists in Australia and abroad.
• From a broader perspective, doxing also damages the digital ecology, reducing people’s ability to freely participate in public or even private debate through social media.
• Studies have shown doxing particularly impacts women, including those using dating apps or experiencing family violence.

What can you do to protect yourself from doxing?

• Some experts believe that the fear of punishment can help shape better online behaviours.
• And you can also protect yourself without needing to entirely withdraw from social media:

never share a home or workplace address, phone number or location, including among a private online group or forum with trusted people
restrict your geo-location settings
avoid giving details of workplaces, roles or employment on public sites not related to your work
avoid adding friends or connections on social media services of people you do not know
if you suspect you risk being doxed due to a heated online argument, temporarily shut down or lock any public profiles
avoid becoming a target by pursuing haters when it reaches a certain point. Professional and courteous engagement can help avoid the anger of those who might disagree and try to harm you.

• Employers who require their staff to have online profiles or engage with the public should provide information and strategies for doing so safely.
• Read more:
  As use of digital platforms surges, we'll need stronger global efforts to protect human rights online

Rob Cover receives funding from the Australian Research Council.