Doxxing is when someone publicly shares your private or personal information – such as your IC number, home address, phone number or workplace – without your consent. The intent is usually to shame, threaten or cause harm by exposing you to real-world risks.
But, while intent matters, so does impact, says Nabila Nasir, partner and director at Kryss Network, a Malaysian NGO working to create safer online spaces.
She shares what counts as doxxing:
1. Sharing someone’s phone number or address without permission.
2. Posting personal photos or screenshots from someone’s private account.
3. Publishing someone’s workplace or children’s school online.
4. Linking someone’s real identity to anonymous or sensitive posts.
5. Exposing someone’s religion or medical history.
"Doxxing is harmful because it breaches the boundary between the digital and physical worlds, placing victims in danger in their daily lives. It can lead to stalking, threats and even physical harm," says Nabila.
