EOTO #2 (KEY)

       Doxxing is a unique form of harassment that has only recently become a large problem. Virtually all instances of doxxing are malicious in nature. The term doxxing means the sharing of personal information with malicious intent. This information can be acquired through public domains or illegal access of personal files, sharing any of this information in an attempt to incite violence against an individual or individuals is doxxing. The legality of doxxing has been a point of debate, especially recently. Under the first amendment, a citizen can share any information obtained through legal means without fear of prosecution. Thus, doxxing is technically not an illegal action, although the resulting harassment typically results in prosecution. While doxxing may not be illegal, many platforms forbid the practice and typically issue permanent account suspensions as a result. Doxxing only has negative implications, as it almost universally incites harassment or violence against an individual. Despite this, the average citizen does not need to worry about being doxxed. Doxxing typically only affects celebrities or public officials. For example, famous rapper Kanye West had his address leaked, which resulted in paparazzi harassing him as he simply tried to mind his own business. An example of a public official being harassed as a result of doxxing is postmaster general Louis DeJoy, in which his home address was shared online in order to protest his controversial policy regarding mail service budgeting. This particular instance is a prime example of armchair vigilantism, a new trend plaguing much of social media. Many people will attempt to dox individuals that they consider worthy or deserving of such harassment, and as such will go to great lengths to leak an individual's personal details. One could argue that doxxing is even a form of stalking, as these personal details could be obtained through the illegal act of stalking. Even though doxxing largely only affects public figures, regular individuals are still somewhat at risk. Hackers can easily obtain an individual's I.P. address and find out exactly where they live. This information can be found through something as simple as a post online. This is particularly pervasive in online video games, in which a person who is emboldened by rage caused by the video game will use this information to make threats to the individual or their family. The best way for the average person to avoid doxxing is by exercising their best judgement in what they post online, such as their face, home address, place of work, and their place of education. A person can avoid their I.P. address being leaked by using a VPN, or virtual private network, which spoofs their location so their actual location is protected. In conclusion, doxxing is a complicated legal issue that has no clear answer at a federal level. Instead, it is up to the individual to exercise their best judgement in what information they post online and take active measures to protect their information.