The word “doxxing” comes from internet slang meaning “dropping dox”. According to Miriam Webster’s online dictionary, “dropping docs” literally means to drop (publish or release) documents or documentation. That information could be anything from a person’s first and last name, address, school, workplace, licence plate number, or even just embarrassing images or stories. It was first used by hackers in 2009 who would harass other community members, gamers, etc. by finding their personal information and releasing it publicly without the victim’s consent. It was used similarly in 'Gamergate': a loosely organised, anti-feminist harassment campaign led by misogynists in the video-game community looking to 'fight back' against the growing diversity in the game industry (Dewey, 2014). 

Sometimes this information is already publicly available, hidden in government records or on websites and fliers. Other times the doxxer needs to know how to hack. This is where things get tricky: while doxxing itself may not be illegal, hacking someone to get their information is (Daniele, 2019). In the end, though, it doesn’t matter how the doxxer gets the information as long as they get it. 

But what’s the point of all this? Why would someone go through all this trouble, face criminal charges even, just to release someone’s personal information? 

Well, we’ve always known information is power.