UK Government Plans to Make ‘Doxxing’ a Criminal Offence
The United Kingdom government has announced plans to update the Online Safety Act to better protect citizens from online harassment. The proposed changes aim to make the practice of “doxxing” a criminal offence under British law.
Doxxing is the act of publicly sharing a person’s private or personal information without their permission. This often includes details such as home addresses, private phone numbers, or personal email accounts. The goal of this practice is frequently to intimidate, harass, or encourage others to target the individual.
Currently, the Online Safety Act focuses on removing harmful content from the internet and protecting children from online risks. By updating this legislation, ministers hope to provide clearer legal consequences for those who use personal data as a weapon against others. The government believes this will make the internet a safer space for everyone in the UK.
Legal experts and safety campaigners have welcomed the announcement, noting that doxxing can have a severe impact on a victim's mental health and physical safety. The government is expected to release more details on how the law will be enforced in the coming months.
This update reflects a growing effort by authorities to address modern digital threats. As the legislative process continues, the government will work to ensure that the new rules effectively balance online privacy with the freedom of speech.