Tip: What newsrooms and journalists can do about doxxing

Doxxing – the sharing of an individual's personal information by which to harass them – is a growing and particularly malicious trend in some darker corners of the internet. And journalists are often the target.

Occasional online harassment is part and parcel of discussing contentious issues on social media, but having the same behaviour follow you home can leave victims feeling powerless and terrified. People who take issue with a story may find out the reporter's home address or contact information and send them anything from fast food deliveries and empty boxes to pictures of dead bodies and rape threats.

Rose Eveleth is one of many to be doxxed in recent years. She spoke to other journalists who have suffered the same and how they dealt with it – both in terms of precautions and dealing with the fall out – for a recent Nieman Reports story.

The article itself is a couple thousand words of interviews and examples, well worth a read in full, but flick to the end if you're short on time to get useful tips on what editors, managers and individual journalists can do about doxxing.

Digital security tips are expected, but setting up personal support networks is often the best way to deal with the psychological repercussions.

Free daily newsletter

If you like our news and feature articles, you can sign up to receive our free daily (Mon-Fri) email newsletter (mobile friendly).