Netherlands - Sharing someone's personal data with the intent to intimidate - doxing, in other words - has been punishable as of Jan. 1. People who are victims of doxing can report it to the police. Perpetrators risk a fine and, in serious cases, possibly even imprisonment.
Doxing occurs when a malicious person shares personal data, images or private information, for example, about family members online or in app groups with the goal of scaring someone by spreading it further. This has a major impact on the people it affects. It affects victims' sense of security. They also fear for the safety of their loved ones.
In our society, we cannot tolerate doxing, says outgoing Justice and Security Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz. 'We live in a country where everyone has the right to express their opinions. If your data is on the street and therefore your freedoms are curtailed, we cannot accept that. Much harassing behavior is already punishable, but sharing personal data was not. With this new law, police and Openbaar Ministerie can act more easily against doxing. If you dox someone, for example to scare them, cause them a lot of trouble, or give them difficulties in their work, you can get a prison sentence or a fine for that.'
Anyone can become a victim of doxing. Consider, for example, sharing a politician's home address or distributing personal information in revenge porn groups on the Internet. It is punishable if there is intent. Publishing photos or film clips of, for example, emergency workers online is not in itself punishable. The intent of the perpetrator is punishable only if that publication is linked to the elements of fear, serious nuisance or serious hindrance to professional practice.
'That this law is there now is very good,' says Chief of Police Henk van Essen. 'We pleaded from the police to make doxing punishable. It affects victims and their loved ones in their private lives. I see that it also happens to police officers and emergency workers. It not only hinders colleagues in their work, but it also affects their home life. That is totally unacceptable. By criminalizing it, we as police are able to act against it and send the signal that doxing will always be dealt with.
If you are a victim of doxing you can report or report it. Every report is taken seriously. It is important to coordinate with the police before removing content. Quick removal of online content may conflict with the interests of investigation.
