Question

Read the following passage carefully:

(1) In the contemporary digital era, personal information has become both a resource and a vulnerability. One of the most alarming practices exploiting this sensitivity is doxing, the deliberate act of publicly revealing private or sensitive information about an individual without their consent. It typically blurs the boundaries between online and offline privacy by disclosing personal details such as phone numbers, home addresses, workplace details or financial records on public platforms, making the digital and physical worlds collide. (2) In the complex landscape of digital communication, doxing emerges as a controversial phenomenon which is often weaponized to frighten, harass, or harm the targeted individual. This leads to anxiety, stress, fear or paranoia as their sense of personal safety and control over their life is severely compromised. A determined doxer might scrape information from various social networking profiles, domain name records or exploit security lapses like weak passwords. Once gathered, this information is shared on public forums, social media, or ‘dox sites’, expanding the victim’s exposure to harassment, stalking, or even physical threats. (3) This darker side of doxing reveals its true dangers. What makes it particularly treacherous is that once the information is released online, it is almost impossible to erase, making the harm sometimes lifelong. Legally, it occupies a grey area. In some jurisdictions it may violate privacy. cyberstalking or harassment laws, but global differences and the Internet’s borderless nature complicate enforcement. Ethically, doxing is a clear violation of personal autonomy. It disproportionately harms marginalized groups, who often face accelerated real-world risks from such exposures. (4) Proponents of doxing sometimes claim it promotes justice by exposing individuals who might otherwise escape accountability. For instance, in some cases of online scams or criminal behaviour, Internet users have identified and revealed the real identities of offenders. Moreover, when individuals misuse their anonymity to harm others, exposing them may serve justice and discourage similar behaviour in future. (5) Defending against doxing demands proactive, preventive and corrective measures like locking down social media privacy settings, using pseudonyms, enabling two-factor authentication, and minimizing shared personal data. However, individual efforts are often insufficient against determined attackers, though certain systematic solutions such as stricter data protection regulations, robust platform moderation and criminalizing doxing explicitly may play a vital role to curb its spread. In addition to this, public awareness campaigns on digital safety are equally important to educate users about risks. Victims should have access to legal aid, counselling and helplines for immediate support. A united effort may ensure better protection against this growing online threat.

Answer the following questions, based on the above passage:

1. In the phrase ‘personal information has become both a resource and a vulnerability’, the word“vulnerability” refers to:  [1]
   1. a person’s information being monitored.
   2. the potential to misuse or compromise a person’s data.
   3. the sharing of information supports career contacts.
   4. all personal information is freely available for sanctioning of loans.  [Paragraph (1)]
2. Complete the following with the correct option from the two given below:  [1]
   Doxing results in the collision between digital and physical worlds because ______.
   1. it discloses a person’s personal information on an online platform
   2. it has led to many boxing bouts between individuals  [Paragraph (1)]
3. Support the writer’s view that doxing may have a psychological impact on the targeted individual.  [Paragraph (2)]  [2]
4. State whether the statement is True or False:  [1]
   The strength of a password is not connected to the privacy of their information.  [Paragraph (2)]
5. Complete the following suitably:  [1]
   Doxing is ethically wrong because ______.  [Paragraph (3)]
6. The negative and dangerous aspect of doxing is: [Paragraph (3)]  [1]
   1. It is easy to delete the information once posted online.
   2. It is impossible to erase the information once released online.
   3. It is easily deleted and edited by the targeted individual.
   4. It is not possible for a doxer to leak information online.
7. Cite one example to support the claim that doxing can promote justice with reference to Paragraph (4).  [1]
8. Mention any two preventive steps that individuals can take to safeguard their online identity and reduce the risk of being doxed. [Paragraph (5)]  [2]

Answer 1

1. The potential to misuse or compromise a person’s data.
2. Doxing results in the collision between digital and physical worlds because it discloses a person’s personal information on an online platform.
3. The writer states that doxing leads to anxiety, stress, fear or paranoia, as the targeted individual’s sense of personal safety and control over their life is severely compromised. This shows its psychological impact.
4. The statement is false.
   Explanation: The passage mentions that weak passwords can be exploited, so password strength is connected to privacy.
5. Doxing is ethically wrong because it is a clear violation of personal autonomy.
6. It is impossible to erase the information once released online.
7. One example is that in cases of online scams or criminal behaviour, Internet users have identified and revealed the real identities of offenders to promote justice.
8. Two preventive steps individuals can take are:
   • Locking down social media privacy settings.
   • Enabling two-factor authentication.