Examples of Doxing

Examples of doxing involve the unauthorized release of personal information, often leading to harassment, threats, or other harmful consequences. Here are some notable examples:

1. Journalists and Activists:

Brianna Wu: A game developer and outspoken critic of sexism in the gaming industry, Brianna Wu was doxed during the GamerGate controversy. Her personal information, including her home address, was published online, leading to threats and harassment.

Leslie Jones: The actress and comedian faced severe harassment and was doxed in 2016. Hackers released personal photos, identification documents, and private information online.

2. Public Figures and Politicians:

Nancy Pelosi: In 2021, following the Capitol riot, the personal information of several politicians, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, was published online. This led to harassment and threats against them.

CNN Reporters: During periods of intense political controversy, several CNN reporters have been doxed, resulting in harassment and threats to their safety.

3. Private Individuals:

Gamergate Controversy: Numerous women in the gaming industry, including developers, journalists, and critics, were doxed during the GamerGate controversy. Their personal information was shared online, leading to widespread harassment.

Random Individuals: In some cases, private individuals who get involved in high-profile events or internet controversies find themselves doxed by those who disagree with them or seek revenge.

4. Swatting:

Andrew Finch: In one of the most tragic cases, Andrew Finch was a victim of “swatting,” a severe form of doxing where someone calls in a fake emergency to get a SWAT team sent to the victim’s house. Finch was killed by police responding to a false report of a hostage situation.

5. Celebrities:

Taylor Swift: In 2014, Taylor Swift’s personal information, including phone numbers and addresses, was leaked online by hackers. This led to significant breaches of her privacy.

Emma Watson: After giving a speech on gender equality, actress Emma Watson was threatened with doxing. A website was created with a countdown, claiming it would release her private photos and information, though it was later revealed to be a hoax.

Doxing (also spelled “doxxing”) is the act of publicly revealing or publishing private information about an individual without their consent. This information can include home addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, workplace details, or other personal data. The term originated from the phrase “dropping docs” (documents) and is often used as a form of online harassment or revenge.

Doxing can have serious consequences for the victim, including threats to their safety, privacy violations, and emotional distress. It is generally considered an unethical and illegal activity, and many online platforms have policies against doxing to protect users’ privacy and safety.