Since the COVID-19 pandemic, our online presence has become more solid than ever, with Malaysians spending more time online. 

Before we dive headfirst into the depths of the digital space, let’s talk safety. With excellent connectivity comes great responsibility, and safeguarding our personal privacy and online safety is non-negotiable.

One significant threat individuals face in the digital space is doxing. Have you ever heard of it? Doxing is like a digital “toyol” that lurks in the shadows and is waiting to snatch your private info and expose it to the world without your consent. Scary, right?

But fear not! Today, we’ll strap our digital armour and dive deep into the world of doxing.

We will unravel its mysteries, give you actionable tips to defend yourselves and shed light on the legal framework governing doxing in Malaysia.

Understanding Doxing

What exactly is doxing, and how does it work? Do you think you should be worried about it?

Doxing is a tech slang for “dropping documents”. Technically, the malicious disclosure of a victim’s personal information online is usually intended to condemn, punish, intimidate or humiliate the victim in question.

In other simpler words, doxing is when the victim’s personal information is “dropped” online by the perpetrator.

Personal information may include anything from home addresses, phone numbers, date of birth, financial records, credit card information, and personal photographs, among other sensitive data.

Those who target to “expose” you online may employ various tactics, including social engineering, hacking, and data breaches, to access and expose your sensitive personal information.

So, why should you be worried about doxing?

Aside from the apparent invasion of privacy, the consequences of doxing can be pretty devastating.

Victims of doxing may experience one or a combination of these following as a result of their private information being exposed online.  :

• harassment,
• stalking,
• identity theft,
• reputational damage,
• financial loss and psychological trauma,
• and even physical harm

Hence, it underscores the urgent need to address this issue. With internet usage on a steep rise in Malaysia, establishing strong protective measures and proactive strategies to counter the spreading menace of doxing is becoming increasingly critical.

Legal Framework in Malaysia

Does a developing country like Malaysia give its people enough protection against doxing?

While no specific law in Malaysia directly addresses doxing, there may still be avenues for legal recourse against individuals involved. The current legal framework has provisions to address these incidents, with severe penalties awaiting those who engage in such practices. 

Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA)

CMA is a crucial piece of legislation that governs online activities and cybercrimes in Malaysia.  Among others, it prohibits the improper use of network facilities or services (Internet included) to harass individuals, including through disseminating personal information without consent.

Doxing may fall within the scope of Section 233(1) of the CMA if it is done and communicated in a way that is obscene, indecent, false, menacing, or offensive. Plus, to make it an offence, it must be coupled with the intent to annoy, abuse, threaten, or harass the victims.

Personal Data Protection Act 2010 (PDPA)

PDPA contains sections aimed at safeguarding individuals’ privacy and regulating online activities. Section 130(1)(a) of the PDPA stipulates that it is an offence if a person knowingly or recklessly discloses personal data without consent.

However, the PDPA is silent on instances where personal information is obtained through common searches, as is familiar with doxing. The PDPA only applies to personal data processed in commercial and business transactions.

Computer Crimes Act 1997 (CCA)

Another piece of legislation that may be applicable in doxing cases is the Computer Crimes Act 1997 (CCA).  Section 3 of CCA prohibits the unauthorised access of a person’s computer.

Share, but don’t overshare

While these laws provide a foundation for addressing doxing, enforcement and awareness, remain key challenges in Malaysia’s evolving digital landscape.  We are our own best defenders, as we have the choice to be vigilant and careful about what we post online.

Digital personal branding and content creation are all the rage in this current age; we need to learn that some of our information is sensitive and private to ourselves only. It is unnecessary to overshare every single bit of information about our lives on Internet.

Tips for Online Safety

Adopting online security measures and practising responsible online behaviour is crucial to safeguard oneself. We will provide you with some pragmatic advice on protecting yourself. 

• Use a hard-to-guess password and check your account’s security settings.  Include a blend of letters, digits, and symbols to strengthen your password. It is also wise to always double-check who can view your profile. Consider approving only those you know on your social media account, like your family, friends and colleagues.
• Remember, once it’s on the Internet, it’s there forever; Thus, always be mindful about the personal information you share on your social media account. This includes sharing sensitive details such as where you live, your contact numbers, and your bank details.
• Stay alert for potential scams and phishing attacks. Emails or websites that may seem legitimate initially could be traps designed to extract your private information. Try to verify the validity of any incoming communication before responding.
• Perform a constant check on your online footprint. Always maintain an online presence that reflects the professional persona you intend to be known as. Take the time to delete any old Facebook posts and irrelevant information from your online profiles to prevent any future complications.

Conclusion

To sum it all up, let’s not take doxing lightly, as it may jeopardise your career or even your romantic relationship prospects. Always remember not to overshare, as it can lead to despair! And think twice, or thrice, before posting or saying anything online, especially on controversial issues. Your hot takes might lead you to even more scalding soup in the future.