All about Doxxing
What is Doxxing?
Doxxing (also spelled doxing) is the act of publicly revealing private or personally identifiable information about an individual without their consent, with the intent to harass, intimidate, shame, silence, or cause harm.
The term originated from “dropping documents” (or “docs”) and has evolved into a modern form of digital abuse, often weaponized in online activism, cyberbullying, and cancel culture.
What Kind of Information is Targeted?
Doxxing can involve the exposure of:
Full name
Home address
Phone number
Email addresses
Family members' details
Workplace or employer information
Social media handles or private profiles
Private conversations, photos, or videos
In some cases, misinformation or deliberate falsehoods are included to incite outrage or encourage mob harassment.
Why is Doxxing Dangerous?
Doxxing is a digital threat with real-world consequences.
It can lead to:
Stalking and physical intimidation
Loss of employment or professional opportunities
Emotional distress or mental health harm
Identity theft and security breaches
Social isolation or self-censorship
Coordinated harassment or swatting
In Australia, doxxing may breach laws related to carriage service offences, privacy violations, and threats or stalking.
Case Study: Alex's Experience with Doxxing
At 15, Alex, an Australian teenager, was engaged in an online game of Call of Duty when a dispute with another player escalated. The other gamer managed to obtain Alex's IP address and subsequently his home address, sharing this sensitive information with others online. ABC
In the following weeks, Alex's household was inundated with unsolicited food deliveries—sometimes up to 50 per day. This not only caused financial strain but also led to significant emotional distress for Alex and his family. The constant harassment left them in a perpetual state of alertness and fear. Although they contemplated involving the police, the harassment eventually subsided after they threatened legal action against the perpetrators. ABC
This case underscores the severe real-world consequences that can arise from online disputes and highlights the importance of safeguarding personal information in digital interactions.
Source: ABC News
Is Doxxing Always Obvious?
Not always. Doxxing can be subtle or disguised:
· Posting screenshots with identifying info barely blurred
· Linking to documents or accounts without explicitly naming the target
· Encouraging others to “look into” someone as a dog whistle to incite harassment
· Publishing aliases or pseudonyms tied to real-life identity
Who is Most at Risk?
Doxxing disproportionately targets:
· Activists
· Journalists
· Whistleblowers
· Women
· Minority groups
· Individuals expressing dissenting or unpopular opinions
What Can You Do? If you’ve been doxxed:
1. Document everything — screenshots, URLs, dates.
2. Report to the platform — most social media sites have reporting tools.
3. Contact authorities — especially if threats or stalking are involved.
4. Engage cybersecurity support — update passwords, secure your digital identity.
If you see someone being doxxed:
· Do not share or amplify the content
· Report the post or user
· Offer support to the victim
· Speak out against online harassment
Our Mission
At Digital Defence, we believe in protecting freedom of expression without fear of digital retribution. We’re here to educate, advocate, and support those facing coordinated online abuse — because in a democracy, disagreement should never come at the cost of safety.
Doxxing Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is doxxing illegal in Australia? A: While there is no single law called “anti-doxxing,” doxxing may violate several laws, including carriage service offences under the Criminal Code, laws against stalking, threats, defamation, and breaches of privacy legislation. Enforcement can vary by state and is still evolving.
Q: What’s the difference between doxxing and accountability? A: Accountability involves due process and fair discussion. Doxxing is a vigilante tactic—it circumvents justice systems by unleashing mob punishment without context, recourse, or rights.
Q: What if the information is public? Is it still doxxing? A: Yes. Even if information is publicly accessible, compiling and publishing it with malicious intent or to incite harassment is still considered doxxing. Intent and context matter.
Q: What should I do if I’m being doxxed? A:
Do not engage with the attackers.
Document everything: screenshots, links, timestamps.
Report the content to relevant platforms and authorities.
Secure your accounts and update passwords.
Q: How can I protect myself from doxxing?
Limit personal details on public profiles
Use privacy settings
Regularly audit your digital footprint
Be cautious when joining online discussions on polarising topics