Anti-Doxing and Online Harassment Policy

Columbia University is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and safe community in person and in online spaces. The ability to engage in rigorous discourse and uphold University values depends on maintaining a community built on mutual respect and accountability. Those who engage in doxing and online harassment interfere with the University’s community as well as its academic purpose. Doxing and online harassment are unacceptable forms of aggression that undermine the core values of respect, open inquiry, integrity and accountability that define the University community.      

This Policy is intended to prevent and address doxing and online harassment and preserve a community where students, faculty, staff and other community members can do their best work to advance the various missions of the University.

This Policy applies to all members of the Columbia University community, including students, faculty, staff, and participants in University-affiliated groups, programs or activities, regardless of location. The Policy covers all users of Columbia University’s Information Resources, as defined in the Information Security Charter, email communications, social media and other online interactions involving or impacting other members of the Columbia University community.

●       Doxing (or doxxing): Electronic or physical publication of an individual’s personal information that may include private email, personal phone number, home address, personally identifying images, etc. on various platforms that intimidates, threatens or harasses the individual or encourages additional harassment. This may include personal information that identifies an individual that is not publicly available or the individual has not authorized another person or organization to make publicly available. 

●       Online harassment: The use of online communication that intimidates, threatens, targets or otherwise causes harm to an individual or individuals. This may include, but is not limited to:

o   Harassing messages, threats, or insults;

o   Impersonation for malicious purposes;

o   Publicly sharing personal or private information; and

o   Encouraging harassment of others.

An allegation that a person subject to this Policy engaged in prohibited conduct will be referred to the appropriate office for review. Depending on the nature of the allegation(s) and the status of the individual(s) involved, the Center for Student Success and Intervention (“CSSI”), the Office of Institutional Equity (“OIE”), and Columbia University Human Resources will process the allegation(s). In some cases, doxing and online harassment may also violate other University policies, which may also be considered.    

For more information on the resolution processes available under the responsible University offices, please visit the CSSI,  OIE, and Columbia University Human Resources websites.

This Policy does not prohibit the sharing of information that is defined as public as a matter of law, regulation or policy. The enforcement of this Policy is not designed to limit or prohibit lawful speech that does not otherwise violate University policies.

To report an incident of potential doxing or online harassment, go to OIE’s website or CSSI’s website and click on “Report a Concern.”

How does this Policy interact with other existing discrimination and discriminatory harassment policies?           

The Anti-Doxing and Online Harassment Policy is separate from Columbia University’s Gender-Based Misconduct and Title IX Policies and Procedures for Students, the Anti-Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment Policy and Procedures for Students, and the Faculty and Staff Anti-Discrimination and Discriminatory harassment Policy and Procedures. However, if the allegation of doxing and/or online harassment implicates discrimination and/or discriminatory harassment, the procedures underlying these policies would apply.           

Where do I file a complaint?

To report an incident of potential doxing or online harassment, go to OIE’s website or CSSI’s website and click on “Report a Concern.”     

What if I am uncertain which office to file my complaint under?

All complaints are reviewed every business day and sent to the appropriate office for review. Please complete the form that you think best fits your situation; it will be forwarded to the right office for review.

When did the Policy go into place?

The Policy was put into place on March 12, 2025.       

Can I file a complaint if I experienced a possible violation of this Policy prior to March 12, 2025? 

This Policy does not apply retroactively. This Policy is not enforceable for reports or incidents dated prior to March 12, 2025, the effective date of its release.

Who can file a complaint?

Anyone can file a complaint, including individuals outside of the Columbia community.

Can I file a complaint about a non-Columbia affiliate?

The University only has jurisdiction over members of the Columbia community. You may file a complaint to seek support, but you may wish to consider working with the platform where the doxing or online harassment is occurring to stop the behavior. More information about takedown requests is available here.

I am nervous about filing a complaint, what if there is online retaliation against me?

Retaliation against an individual for filing a complaint of doxing and/or online harassment is strictly prohibited. Each Responsible Office has an anti-retaliation policy.                                                     

Can I file an anonymous complaint?

A Reporter or Complainant may request that the Responsible Office not disclose their identity to anyone else, including a Respondent or a potential Respondent. However, the Responsible Office cannot guarantee that a Reporter’s or Complainant’s identity will not be disclosed if a resolution process were undertaken. If a Complaint is filed anonymously, it may limit the University’s ability to conduct a full review.

Can I file a complaint about an anonymous social media account or a group?

You can, but the University’s ability to identify an anonymous or group account is limited. If the group is affiliated with Columbia University, the Policy applies.

What resources are available to me if I experience doxing and/or online harassment?

The Doxing Resource Group continues to provide resources to University community members who have experienced doxing and online targeting. You can learn more information here.