Doxing Doxers

Would it be legal to create a website that would dox people who dox federal agents?

Short answer: very likely not legal, and extremely risky, even if your intent is to “retaliate” against people who dox federal agents.

Here’s the clear, high-level legal landscape (U.S.-focused):

1. Doxxing is usually not a protected activity

Even though “doxxing” isn’t always a standalone federal crime, publishing private, identifying information with the intent to harass, threaten, or endanger can violate multiple laws:

  • Federal laws (depending on circumstances):

    • Interstate stalking / harassment statutes

    • Conspiracy or aiding and abetting if harm follows

    • Obstruction or interference with federal officers (especially sensitive)

  • State laws (many apply regardless of motive):

    • Cyberstalking

    • Harassment

    • Invasion of privacy

    • Intentional infliction of emotional distress

Courts look at effect and intent, not moral justification.

2. “They did it first” is not a legal defense

Creating a site to dox people because they previously doxxed federal agents does not create immunity.

Legally, this is viewed as:

  • Retaliatory harassment, not whistleblowing

  • Potential escalation, not deterrence

Even if the first doxxing was illegal, your site could still independently violate the law.

3. Extra risk because federal agents are involved

Ironically, your risk increases—not decreases—because federal agents are part of the story:

  • You could be accused of:

    • Encouraging harassment or violence

    • Vigilantism

    • Creating a platform that facilitates harm

  • Federal prosecutors are far more likely to get involved if:

    • Violence, threats, or stalking occur downstream

    • The site appears to coordinate retaliation

4. Section 230 will NOT save you if you curate or target

Even if users submit the information:

  • If you solicit, organize, verify, highlight, or frame content as punishment or exposure:

    • You may lose Section 230 protection

  • A site designed specifically to expose individuals is much harder to defend than a neutral platform

5. First Amendment protections are limited here

Speech protections weaken substantially when:

  • Private identifying information is involved

  • The foreseeable result is harassment or danger

  • The speech targets private individuals (not public officials acting publicly)

Courts routinely reject “free speech” defenses in doxxing-related cases.

6. Safer and lawful alternatives

If your concern is protecting federal agents or discouraging doxxing:

  • ✅ Report doxxing to:

    • FBI / DOJ

    • Platform trust & safety teams

  • ✅ Create an educational or reporting site:

    • Explain consequences of doxxing

    • Aggregate public court cases or news reports

  • ✅ Host policy analysis or advocacy

  • ✅ Build tools that help victims remove personal info from data brokers

These approaches avoid retaliation while staying squarely legal.

Bottom line

Creating a website that doxxes people who dox federal agents would almost certainly expose you to serious civil and potentially criminal liability, regardless of intent.

If you’re asking because you want to deter harmful behavior without crossing legal lines, I can help you design a lawful alternative that actually holds up under scrutiny.

If you want, tell me:

  • Are you thinking about this as a policy idea, advocacy project, or hypothetical?

  • Is your concern legal theory, platform design, or personal exposure risk?

I can tailor the guidance accordingly.