Doxing: A Growing Threat in Papua New Guinea’s Digital Landscape
The digital age has undeniably revolutionized communication and connection, yet it has also opened doors to new forms of harassment and abuse. One such threat, rapidly gaining traction in Papua New Guinea (PNG), is doxing – the malicious act of publicly revealing someone’s private information online without their consent. This insidious practice, often fueled by revenge, anger, or the pursuit of online notoriety, has severe consequences for victims, ranging from emotional distress to physical harm.
Doxing involves exposing sensitive personal details, including full names, phone numbers, home addresses, workplaces, personal photos, private messages, financial information, and even family members’ details. This information is then disseminated through various online platforms, such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram, and online forums, amplifying the reach and impact of the attack. In a tightly knit society like PNG, where community ties are strong, the repercussions of doxing can be particularly devastating.
The dangers of doxing in PNG are multifaceted. Victims often face public humiliation, reputational damage, threats, and even physical violence. Doxing can lead to job loss, the breakdown of families and relationships, online stalking, and the forced displacement of individuals from their homes and communities. Tragically, in many cases, the blame is unjustly shifted onto the victim, particularly when private photos or messages are involved, further exacerbating the trauma.
The motivations behind doxing vary, often stemming from personal conflicts, relationship breakdowns, political disputes, online bullying, or attempts to silence dissenting voices. Revenge is a significant driver, as evidenced by cases of ex-partners sharing intimate information online. Sometimes, individuals engage in doxing as a misguided form of “entertainment” or to gain social media attention, failing to grasp the gravity of their actions. Regardless of the motive, doxing constitutes abuse, and its effects on victims’ mental health, safety, and future can be profound and long-lasting.
Protecting oneself from doxing requires vigilance and proactive measures. Individuals should be mindful of the information they share online, avoiding the public disclosure of personal details such as phone numbers, addresses, and workplace information. Photos that reveal location or surroundings should be treated with caution, and engaging in public arguments with strangers on social media should be avoided. Utilizing strong privacy settings on social media accounts is crucial, limiting who can view posts, tag individuals, or make contact. In some cases, adopting a nickname or screen name can provide an additional layer of protection, especially for vulnerable groups like women and youth. Critically, individuals must refrain from sharing other people’s personal information, even in moments of anger or conflict, as this perpetuates the cycle of harm.
If one becomes a victim of doxing, immediate action is essential. Preserving evidence by taking screenshots of the offending posts is crucial, as the content may be deleted. Reporting the posts to the respective social media platforms, blocking the perpetrator, and confiding in a trusted friend, family member, or community leader are vital steps. Under PNG’s Cybercrime Code Act 2016, doxing can be classified as online harassment, invasion of privacy, cyberstalking, and defamation, making it a criminal offense. Reporting the incident to the police is essential, especially if threats, sexual content, or danger to life are involved.
Addressing the issue of doxing requires a societal shift in mindset. Doxing is not merely a digital problem; it’s a cultural one. The normalization of sharing private information for gossip, revenge, or online attention must be challenged. Promoting respect and ethical behavior online, supporting victims rather than blaming them, and holding perpetrators accountable are essential steps in combating this form of abuse. Educating youth about digital dignity and safety is crucial to fostering a culture of online responsibility.
In the interconnected world we inhabit, personal information is as valuable as one’s name and face. Doxing represents an attack on an individual’s peace, privacy, and dignity. Collective action is needed to stand against this silent abuse. By educating ourselves, our children, and our communities about the dangers of doxing and by promoting responsible online behavior, we can create a safer and more respectful digital environment for all.
Real-life Examples of Doxing in PNG (names changed):
-
Anna: A young woman in Port Moresby doxed by her ex-boyfriend after a breakup. He shared her phone number and photo in a gossip group, leading to harassment from strangers. She had to change her number and delete her social media accounts.
-
John: A small business owner in Lae doxed by a disgruntled customer. His home address and false accusations of fraud were shared online, damaging his reputation and business.
-
Lani: A student doxed by a group of boys at school. Her chat history and personal photos were shared online to shame her, forcing her to withdraw from school for weeks.
These examples highlight the devastating impact of doxing and the need for greater awareness and action.
Key Recommendations:
- Be cautious about sharing personal information online.
- Use strong privacy settings on social media accounts.
- Avoid engaging in public arguments with strangers online.
- Never share other people’s private information.
- Report doxing incidents to social media platforms and the police.
- Support victims and hold perpetrators accountable.
- Educate youth about digital dignity and safety.
By fostering a culture of online respect and responsibility, we can collectively combat doxing and create a safer digital landscape for all. If you or someone you know is a victim of doxing, seek help from CyberSafe Pacifica or your local police station. You are not alone.