Have you ever told someone something personal or sensitive and discovered they’ve spread your private information amongst an unwanted audience? 

That is known as doxxing (or doxing), which is an abbreviation of ‘dropping documents’.

So what is doxxing, exactly?

Doxxing is the publishing, posting, or spreading of private information not intended for a wider audience. The information could come from telling sensitive information to someone you trust and them spreading it online without your consent. Or it can be when someone hacks an account and spreads private information, like your address, phone number, or explicit images without the person’s consent. 

Doxxing can also include things like reading out saved messages on someone’s mobile phone or chat history, printing out copies of messages and images or spreading them across different social circles via social media or email. 

The effects of doxxing online can feel even more upsetting or humiliating than similar real-life situations. It can also be more dangerous, as sensitive information published online can be extremely difficult to get rid of.

Young people and members of marginalised groups are the most vulnerable to doxxing. Typically, doxxers use gaming platforms and social media sites to target women, queer people, and people in religious minorities. 

Why do people dox? 

• Can be used as extortion (trying to get money or information) 
• As revenge after a dispute or on a previous partner 
• As a method of control or intimidation 

What are the effects of doxxing? 

• Shaming or public embarrassment 
• This can lead to cyberstalking or physical stalking 
• Discrimination 
• Identity and financial fraud 
• Increased anxiety and reduced confidence 
• Depression and suicidal thoughts

How you can prevent doxxing from happening

• Check settings and secure your privacy on social media accounts: follow the eSaftey Guide to ensure that each of your accounts are as safe as they can be. 
• Use a range of strong passwords on your accounts
• Vary your username: this can make it hard for someone to know your full name
• Limit how much you share about your day-to-day life online: be wary of posing in your school uniform or any other identifying information 
• Don’t share your device location with others: features like Snap Maps can allow followers to see your location — this is a safety risk
• Be cautious about what you post and send and to whom: it may seem private at the time but once it is sent you have limited control over where it goes 

What to do if you’ve been doxxed 

• Collect and preserve as much evidence as you can of the doxxing: screenshot and store proof in varied ways (such as on multiple devices, as well as physical copies) 
• Block unwanted contact 

Where to get help

• Talk to trusted adult
• Report it to the police
• Reach out to counselling and support services such as, Kids Helpline, Lifeline or 1800Respect