We're in a new age. The Library of Alexandria has burned, and from the ashes we built something greater. The internet was the answer to all of humanity's questions, an unfathomably huge data center that can tell you whatever you want to know in seconds.

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However, as the internet seeps into every second of our being, it has unfortunately brought out the worst of us, and you need to be able to protect your children from them.

What is Doxing?

As online communities grow larger, they also grow more hostile. Especially since COVID lockdown, we've all been forced into online social circles, and haven't found a great answer to break out of them again. Doxing is particularly common in these groups, as is its spiritual cousin, Swatting.

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Doxing is the act of posting someone's personal information, such as their IP address, home address, or place of work online in hopes that those who see it will cause problems. Swatting is very similar, but arguably more dangerous, involving sending heavily armed police to your residency via anonymous tip.

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How Can I Protect Against Doxing?

The FBI has been making a clear effort to shut down doxing and swatting among online communities, but they've stated it's up to you, the parents, to protect your children. Make sure their social profiles are set to private, and make a point that they should not be divulging any personal information to anyone online, even if they feel as if they can trust them.

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If you feel as if your child or someone you know has become a victim of doxing or swatting, reach out to the FBI via their Internet Crime Complaint Center.

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