Doxing, also known as doxxing, is a form of cybercrime in which a person’s personal or private information is published on the internet without their consent. The term is derived from the English word “documents” and refers to the practice of collecting and disseminating documents or information about a person.

Legal classification in Germany

In Germany, doxing was explicitly criminalized in 2021 by the “Act to Combat Right-Wing Extremism and Hate Crime”. The new Section 126a of the German Criminal Code (StGB) criminalizes the “endangering dissemination of personal data”.

Forms of doxing

1. identity disclosure: publication of the true identity of persons acting anonymously or under a pseudonym online
2. publication of addresses: disclosure of residential or work addresses
3. financial information: Dissemination of bank details or credit card information
4. personal documents: publication of copies of ID cards, certificates or medical documents
5. family information: Disclosure of information about family members

Motives and goals

1. intimidation and threats
2. revenge or personal retribution
3. political or ideological motives
4. extortion or financial enrichment
5. “Hacktivism” or supposed social justice

Legal consequences

1. imprisonment for up to two years or a fine (Section 126a StGB)
2. imprisonment of up to three years in particularly serious cases
3. civil law claims for injunctive relief and damages
4. possible violations of data protection law (GDPR)

Preventive measures

1. careful handling of personal information online
2. use of strong privacy settings in social media
3. regular review of your own online presence
4. use of pseudonyms for sensitive online activities
5. training and education about the dangers of doxing

Challenges for law enforcement

1. anonymity of the perpetrators on the Internet
2. cross-border nature of many doxing cases
3. rapid dissemination of information on the Internet
4. technical complexity in the preservation of evidence
5. balancing freedom of expression and personal rights

Significance for the digital society

Doxing poses a serious threat to the privacy and security of individuals in the digital age. It can lead to serious psychological distress, threats in real life and significant professional and personal consequences for those affected. Combating doxing is therefore an important aspect of cyber security and digital privacy protection.

Conclusion

The criminal prosecution of doxing in Germany is an important step towards protecting privacy in the digital space. Nevertheless, preventing and combating doxing remains a complex challenge that requires technical as well as legal and social approaches. Continuous adaptation of the legal framework to the constantly evolving digital landscape is necessary to ensure effective protection against this form of cybercrime.