Protecting the person in a world of digital exposure

The Sacredness of Privacy

Protecting the person in a world of digital exposure

In the digital landscape of 2026, the boundaries between professional service and private life have become increasingly blurred. For those working in the public eye—particularly dedicated staff who are not elected officials—the threat of "doxxing" has emerged as a heavy cross to bear.

What is Doxxing?

Doxxing (or doxxing) is the intentional online exposure of an individual’s identity or private information without their consent, with the intent of causing harm. According to official standards, it can take several forms:

• Targeting Doxxing: Revealing information like home addresses or phone numbers to allow a person to be located or harassed.

• Delegitimizing Doxxing: Revealing intimate information, personal messages, or photos—usually kept out of public view—to damage a person’s credibility.

• Deanonymizing Doxxing: Stripping away a person's digital pseudonym to reveal their true identity.

View Full eSafety Position Statement

Unlike defamation, doxxing often uses information that is technically accurate, but weaponizes it to undermine the target’s safety. As stewards of our own lives, we must recognize that our private world is a gift to be guarded.

Steps to Take if You are Targeted

• Preserve Evidence: Immediately collect screenshots of the posts, including timestamps, account names, and URLs.
• Report to the Platform: Formally report the content for harassment. Use the escalation pathways provided by services like Meta.
• Secure Your Accounts: Review your privacy settings, update passwords, and use two-factor authentication.
• Notify Authorities: Report serious cases of adult cyber abuse to the eSafety Commissioner. If there is a risk of immediate harm, always call 000.

Official Resources:
📄 Doxing trends and challenges - position statement (PDF, 188.38KB) Download External link • Last updated: 28/05/2025

"The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty." — Proverbs 22:3

A Prayer for Digital Safety and Peace

"Father, we pray for those whose privacy has been violated and whose names are being used for harm. Grant them the courage to set boundaries and the wisdom to seek help. May Your peace, which transcends all understanding, guard their minds. Amen."

© 2026 • Standing for Truth and Privacy • Source: eSafety.gov.au