Sy Borg wrote: ↑May 25th, 2022, 1:55 am
doxing
- search for and publish private or identifying information about (a particular individual) on the internet, typically with malicious intent.
"Typically" with malicious intent, but not necessarily. The person doing the exposing might be simply wanting the truth to be told, damn the cost.
Many would question why should a person should have a problem with the truth being spoken about them. If they have done nothing wrong, they say, they have nothing to hide. If they are harmed by the truth, the logic goes, that does not matter. Of course, whose "truth" is another matter.
How do you see the ethics around privacy and how feasible are regulatory responses to protect people's privacy in today's world?
It is possible to ruin someone's life by finding out about details, such as personal difficulties and publishing it, especially if the information is slightly wrong or twisted in some way. The kinds of information which I am thinking about is that of medical information, including mental health issues. Also, relationship issues could be revealed with harmful intent. In particular, there is so much scandal and gossip about famous celebrities and, so much may be exaggerated like Chinese whispers.
With most people there is less likelihood of people paying much attention but with the increasing amount of information which does appear on the internet, it would be easy to target an enemy. Also, people's use of media sites can be traced by potential employers and agencies, such as the benefits office and probably many other organisations.
Some people may suggest that it only matters if someone has done something 'wrong'. However, it may not be that simple because information taken at face value may be taken out of context or distorted in some ways.
Gradually, more and more information is being shared, especially medical details. When I was working in healthcare there were basic guidelines for protecting information, known as information governance. However, it may become easier for people to hack into information through greater access through agencies. There was the Hippocratic Oath which was meant to provide confidentiality but with the use of data stored on computers and the idea of it being available for third parties, such as A and E departments, more and more people have access to personal details.
Also, the use of open planned units seems to be more commonplace. For example, when I was visiting my mother in hospital, when I was seeking information I expected to be given a private space for talking and this did not happen, even when I requested it. I have also found in organisations like the banks and chemists people are discussing my details, such as name and address without any privacy in recent times. I am not sure how much other people have noticed this but it does appear to me that the right to privacy is being eroded gradually, certainly in England. Some people may question whether there is a right to privacy but the loss of it may make people less safe from crime and also there is a loss of sensitivity to personal issues, as if people are numbers, rather than the nature of personal identity being valued.