Definition
The act of disclosing someone’s personal, non-public information — such as a real name, home address, phone number or any other data that could be used to identify the individual — in an online forum or other public place without the person’s consent.
Background
Personally Identifiable Information, or PII, includes any data that could potentially identify a specific individual. This can range from direct information like social security numbers and email addresses to more indirect data such as an individual’s physical address or date of birth. Moderators should be vigilant for the sharing of such information without consent, particularly in a context that suggests malicious intent. However, distinguishing between harmful sharing and innocent or even self-disclosure requires careful judgement, as some users may share their own information for legitimate reasons.
Resources
Responding to and Preventing Doxing: A TSPA Resource
Example Rule
Sharing Personally Identifiable Information (PII) of others without their explicit consent is prohibited. Protect privacy and respect the confidentiality of all users.
Discussion
Discuss this label in the Personally Identifiable Information forum.
