Is Doxing illegal?

Doxing can ruin lives, exposing targeted individuals and their families to both online and real-world harassment. But is it illegal?

The answer varies: doxing is often not explicitly illegal if the exposed information lies within the public domain and was obtained using legal methods. However, depending on your jurisdiction, doxing may violate laws designed to combat stalking, harassment, and threats. For example, in the U.S., doxing a government employee can fall under federal conspiracy laws and is treated as a federal offense.

The legality of doxing also depends on the specific information revealed. Disclosing someone’s real name is generally less serious than revealing their home address or telephone number, which can pose direct threats to personal safety. Many countries have privacy laws that could apply to such disclosures, making the act of doxing prosecutable under different statutes.

Additionally, doxing is a relatively recent phenomenon, and laws around it are constantly evolving. Legal responses can be ambiguous, and enforcement may vary widely based on the context and jurisdiction. Despite this, doxing violates the terms of service of most websites and platforms. Engaging in doxing can result in account bans and other penalties because it is typically viewed as unethical, often carried out with malicious intent to intimidate, blackmail, or control others.

The consequences of doxing can be severe, including potential harassment, identity theft, humiliation, loss of employment, and strained relationships with family and friends. The act of doxing can expose victims to significant risks and long-lasting impacts, highlighting the importance of robust legal and policy measures to address and mitigate this harmful practice.

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.