Summary: To ‘Doxx’ or 'Doxxing' someone means to obtain and publish private information about someone or a group of people in order to reveal their identity. This is generally done with malicious intent, to be ‘Doxxed’ is to have this happen to you.
What does Doxxed mean in Crypto?
In the world of cryptocurrency, "fully doxxed" means someone's real-world identity has been revealed publicly, either through leaked personal information or deliberate sharing. This is a serious problem as many use cryptocurrencies to remain anonymous, and revealing one's identity defeats the purpose of using crypto.
Since crypto is often used by those opposed to government control or in illegal activities, revealing one's identity can be dangerous. Therefore, it's important to take steps to protect your identity, such as using a pseudonym in online discussions and being careful about personal information shared online.
Where did the terms ‘doxxed’ and ‘doxxing’ originate
The term 'doxx' is derived from the word 'docs', which is short for 'documents'. The term 'doxxing' is thought to have originated on 4chan, a popular online forum. The term 'doxxed' is used to describe someone who has had their personal information (such as their home address or phone number) made public without their consent.
How to use the phrases doxxed and doxxing
When you refer to someone who has had their personal information exposed online, you can use the term "doxxed." For example:
- "She was doxxed after her private photos were leaked online."
- "The exchange was hacked and all the users information were doxxed"
Similarly, you can use "doxxing" to describe the act of revealing someone's personal information publicly. For example:
- "He was accused of doxxing his ex-girlfriend when he posted her phone number and address on social media."
- "Someone in this Discord is doxxing everyones email addresses"
Is doxxing illegal?
Doxxing is the act of releasing private or sensitive information about an individual without their permission. This can include things like their home address, phone number, email address, place of work, or any other personal details. Doxxing is a form of online harassment, and can have legal ramifications.
There is no definitive answer to this question as the law surrounding doxxing is still relatively new and evolving. However, some states in America have begun to introduce legislation specifically addressing doxxing. It is now a crime to distribute “intimate images” without the consent of the person pictured in many states.
While this is a positive step, it is important to remember that doxxing can still be a very serious issue even if the information released is not considered “intimate”. If you are the victim of doxxing, it is important to contact the police and report the incident. You should also take steps to protect your online presence and personal information, such as changing your privacy settings and using strong passwords.
Final Thoughts
In summary, doxxing refers to the act of obtaining and publishing someone's private information with malicious intent. In the world of cryptocurrency, being fully doxxed can be a serious problem as many people use cryptocurrencies for anonymity. It is important to take steps to protect your identity if you're using cryptocurrencies, such as using a pseudonym and being careful about what personal information you share online. Doxxing is a form of online harassment and can have legal ramifications, although the laws surrounding it are still evolving.
Co-Founder & former Investment Banker (Finance MBA) turned Full-Time analyst and Head of Research at Buy Bitcoin Bank. Left traditional finance to pursue my interest in digital assets and decentralized finance.
