doxing
DOK-sing
/ˈdɒksɪŋ/
To search for and publish private or identifying information about an individual on the internet, typically with malicious intent.
Specifically involves revealing personal data (like home address, workplace, phone number) that was previously private, often leading to real-world harassment or threats.
The story behind the word. The term 'doxing' is a modern internet slang word, a shortened form of 'dropping docs' or 'documents.' It originated in the 1990s hacker culture, where 'docs' referred to personal documents. Initially, it meant compiling and releasing a dossier of information on a rival hacker. Over time, it evolved to mean publicly revealing private or identifying information about an individual online, usually with malicious intent, to expose or punish them.
Word relationships
- unmasking: Revealing someone's true identity, but not necessarily with malicious intent or publishing private details.
- outing: Revealing someone's identity or secret, often related to sexual orientation or political affiliation, but not necessarily private contact info.
- protecting privacy: Safeguarding personal information.
- anonymizing: Making someone anonymous.
Commonly confused with
- hacking: Hacking involves unauthorized access to computer systems; doxing is about publishing information, often gathered from public sources or social engineering.
- harassment: Doxing is a specific method of harassment, often a precursor to further harassment.
Collocations
- threaten doxing
- victims of doxing
- doxing attack
- prevent doxing
Example sentences
- "After a heated online debate, an anonymous user threatened to start doxing the activist by revealing their home address." A cybersecurity report.
- "The practice of doxing is illegal in many jurisdictions due to the severe risks it poses to victims." Discussing online privacy.
Memory hook
Think 'DOXING' as 'DOCS' (documents) being 'OUT'ed. Docs out!
When not to use
Do not use for simply finding publicly available information or for sharing information without malicious intent.
Fun facts
- Doxing is often used as a form of vigilante justice or revenge in online communities.
Related words
Explore more words
Stalking, identity theft, Harassment, defamation, privacy, phishing
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