From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Doxxing
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
In mid-February, a woman reported an incident of doxxing to Mumbai Police after a man shared a video of her dancing and subjected her to harassment online.
What is Doxxing?
- Doxxing involves publicly disclosing an individual’s private information without consent, including personal details like addresses, phone numbers, and more.
- It can lead to severe consequences, including physical, digital, and emotional harm, such as stalking, threats, and loss of privacy.
Legality and Intentions
- While sharing public content may be legal, the intentions behind sharing such content can be malicious and harmful.
- Social media platforms like X take action against users who share information with abusive intent or to harass others.
Consequences of Doxxing
- Victims of doxxing may face numerous challenges, including securing their physical location, clarifying situations with employers, and dealing with a barrage of threats.
- Security measures such as changing passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and reporting incidents to social media platforms are crucial for safeguarding against doxxing.
Legal Remedy Against Doxxing
- Victims of doxxing can report incidents through platforms like the:
- National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and
- File FIRs (with law enforcement authorities).
- Social media companies like Meta and Google have tools and mechanisms in place to assist individuals who have been doxxed.
PYQ:[2020] In India, under cyber insurance for individuals, which of the following benefits are generally covered, in addition to payment for the loss of funds and other benefits? 1. Cost of restoration of the computer system in case of malware disrupting access to one’s computer 2. Cost of a new computer if some miscreant willfully damages it, if proved so 3. Cost of hiring a specialized consultant to minimize the loss in case of cyber extortion 4. Cost of defence in the Court of Law if any third-party files a suit Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2 and 4 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3, and 4 |
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