doxing (also doxxing)
noun

- the action or process of searching for and publishing private or identifying information about a particular individual on the internet, typically with malicious intent

The Oxford English Dictionary

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WORD ORIGIN

"Docs" was hacker slang from the 1990s, referring to the act of compiling a person's documents or information. The term evolved into "dropping docs”, which referred to releasing someone’s personal documents online.

Eventually, "dropping docs" became shortened to "doxing" as a colloquialism, particularly in internet culture and hacker communities.

The concept is rooted in the idea of exposing someone's private information, such as their real name, address, phone number, or other sensitive details, often as a form of retaliation, intimidation, or harassment.

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WHEN GAMES STOPPED BEING FUN

Gamergate, a 2014 controversy in the gaming world, began as a debate about ethics in game journalism but quickly devolved into a widespread harassment campaign. Women in the gaming industry, including developer Zoe Quinn and critic Anita Sarkeesian, became primary targets, facing threats and abuse.

A key tactic employed was "doxing" - the malicious publication of private information online. This practice exposed victims to real-world dangers by making their personal details easily accessible.

The controversy highlighted the dark potential of online communities and the inadequacy of existing protections against coordinated digital abuse. Gamergate's impact extended beyond gaming, influencing future online harassment campaigns and contributing to the rise of alt-right movements.

This event underscored the urgent need for better safeguards against online abuse and has raised critical questions about free speech, anonymity, and accountability in digital spaces.

Helga & Paul Smith

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SYNONYMS

Confidential leak, cyber disclosure, cyber exposure, data breach (publicized), data doxxing (leaking), digital outing, document dumping (leak), DOX(X)ING, harmful data sharing, identity exposure (outing), info doxxing (hacking, outing, publicizing), information exposure, online exposure, online identity exposure, shaming, personal data breach (info dump, info exposure), privacy breach (invasion), private data release, public data reveal, public doxxing, sensitive info leak (outing), unauthorized disclosure

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SMUGGLE OWAD into a conversation today, say something like:

"DOXING is often more about petty revenge than seeking justice."

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THANKS to Hester for suggesting today's word.

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