Doxing: private data published online

In doxing, a person's private data, for example address, workplace or phone number, is collected and published without consent, often to intimidate. Affected persons can fight back: against the content, the platform and, under certain circumstances, criminally.

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Publishing private data can violate the personality right and establish claims to cease-and-desist and deletion. The targeted, endangering dissemination of personal data can also be punishable (§ 126a StGB).

You can demand deletion from the platform, tackle search engine entries and file a criminal complaint. In case of acute danger, the police are the right point of contact.

What you should do now

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1. Secure evidence
Take screenshots with URL and date before content disappears.
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2. Demand deletion
Ask the platform and operator to delete the data.
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3. File a complaint
With punishable conduct, file a complaint; in case of danger, inform the police.
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4. Increase security
Secure your accounts and restrict publicly visible data.

How to spot the scam

Threats or calls to action are connected with the publication.
Address or workplace are deliberately disclosed.
The data spreads quickly across several platforms.

Frequently asked questions

Is doxing punishable?

It can be punishable. The targeted dissemination of personal data in a way suitable to expose a person to the danger of an act directed against them is made punishable (§ 126a StGB). Alongside this, insult, threat and civil-law claims come into consideration.

How do I get the data deleted?

Ask the platform and the controller to delete without delay and invoke your personality right and your right to deletion (Art. 17 DSGVO). Secure evidence beforehand. You can also ask search engines to delist.

What to do in acute danger?

Turn to the police immediately, especially when threats or calls to acts are added. Secure all evidence. At the same time restrict publicly visible data and secure your accounts to make further spread harder.

Take action now

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.