Doxing

Learn about doxing, how it can relate to foreign interference, and what to do if you or someone you know is affected.

What is doxing (or doxxing)?

Doxing is when someone puts your personal or private information online without asking you. This can include your full name, home address, phone number, where you work, or even your family’s contact details. Often they encourage other people to use the information to scare, threaten, harass or intimidate you.

If doxing is carried out for or on behalf of a foreign state, this is a form of foreign interference. Sharing personal and private information publicly can harm someone’s privacy, security, and safety.

What to do if you are doxed

If you feel comfortable, let your family and friends know what happened, they may be targeted too. Ask them to set their social media profiles to private.

Use the reporting feature on the website, app, or platform where the incident happened. Netsafe’s social media guides have information on how to do this.

You can report harmful content to Netsafe: Submit a request – Netsafe. Netsafe can also give you expert support, advice and assistance on online safety. Email help@netsafe.org.nz or text ‘Netsafe’ to 4282 to get support.

If you are in danger, call the Police immediately by calling 111.

If it’s not an emergency, you can contact the Police by:

  • Using the 105 online form
  • Calling 105 from any mobile or landline, this service is free and available 24/7 nationwide.

The 105 form asks for some of your personal information to help the Police process your report and follow up with you. The Police only use this information for permitted purposes.

If you suspect a foreign state is behind your doxing, you can report this to the NZSIS using their secure online form.

You don’t have to give your personal information like your name, phone number, or contact details if you don’t want to. You can also fill out the form in your own language. All information you provide is confidential and protected.

If you want to talk to someone at NZSIS, you can call them on +64 4 472 6170 or 0800 747 224.

Information to share with Netsafe, Police or NZSIS when reporting

When reporting, it's helpful to include as many details as possible. Try to screenshot or save a copy of:

  • What personal or private information was shared or posted
  • The user profile or account of the person who shared it (e.g. their username)
  • The date and time the information was shared or posted
  • The name of the website or app where it happened

How to protect yourself from being doxed

Look at Keeping Safe Online for more information.

Check your ​​privacy settings on your social media and online accounts. Set your profiles to private so only people you trust can see your information.

Look up your name and personal details to see what information about you is publicly available. Remove any personal and private information that others can use to harm you such as your address.

Smartphones and cameras may embed location data in photos by using your location settings. This could be used to find your personal information, like your home or your children’s school. Turning off geotagging or location settings varies by device, so search online using your device’s name for specific instructions.

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