The trouble with doxxing is that it can often result in the loss of friendships and partnerships. What’s more, it is shameful, especially when the situation happens in the public domain. So, last week, I did a piece briefly going over the drama surrounding a famed YouTuber being IP banned on Twitter. Now, the circumstances have changed. I still do not know the full extent of what occurred, and I don’t plan to. Moreover, I was never involved and will not be commenting further. But, I will discuss doxxing and my thoughts on it.
Usually, I don’t insert myself into any form of drama to do with content creators from any website. However, this is a community that I love, and now, I don’t know what to believe. Honestly, it’s sad. I have considered leaving as it has become a toxic dump of in-fighting.
If I’m honest, I am appalled that anyone within our community is willing to bully and become involved in doxxing. I also don’t accept excuses for why people do it. Just don’t do it full stop!
Also, for those of you who are diehard fans of anyone involved in the doxxing situation, I am not getting involved and don’t you dare say that I have no right to comment. I’m merely voicing my thoughts on it. This is the last time I will be commenting on the situation.
Doxxing Achieves… What Exactly?
I deal with facts, and I want to know, what does doxxing achieve? Does it make you feel powerful? Do you get a buzz from “exposing” someone who “deserves” it? If you have a problem with someone, don’t voice it in public. It will only become out of control if you have a large fanbase. You can’t just say, “I’m against doxxing!” and then do it yourself.
Moreover, I want to ask a question. Well, a couple. What does bad-mouthing and exposing other people’s information to a large audience achieve? It makes the situation ninety times worse. Scratch that. It makes it endlessly worse. It ruins people’s reputations. Were you also aware that doxxing is illegal in certain countries? If you were living in Hong Kong or Mainland China, you’d go to prison.
Chris Lau of the South China Morning Post says that in Hong Kong, you can be sent to prison for five years if you’re caught.
According to Kaspersky, that doxxing is not necessarily illegal if the information was obtained by legal methods.
Finally, Kaspersky states that doxxing is typically used to silence or vilify another person who holds a different view. Moreover, this is what is happening with our community. If you’re sending photos of someone to someone else without the target’s consent, that is doxxing. Ultimately, this isn’t a full explainer, just an example. Another would be finding out someone’s real name on social media and posting it when the target has been keeping their identity under wraps.
