How a Leak by a New York Times Reporter Led to an Anti-Doxing Uproar in Australia

Early this year, the contents of a WhatsApp group for Jewish creative professionals and academics, set up in Australia after the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel, leaked and fell into the hands of pro-Palestinian activists.

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The activists posted snippets on social media, along with the names, photos and social-media page links of many of the group’s 600-odd members. Before long, members of the chat group faced online and in-person harassment—including threats and vandalism—repercussions that for some have continued several months later. 

The incidents touched off a national debate in Australia, where the government subsequently said it would seek to curb doxing, the sharing of people’s personal details with malicious intent. Anti-doxing legislation is expected to be introduced in the country as soon as this month. 

Throughout the crisis, it has remained a mystery how the chat thread leaked in the first place. The events were set in motion in January by a New York Times reporter, according to a Wall Street Journal review of the incident and statements from the Times.

Beege Welborn

...Before long, teachers, business owners, and other private individuals who were in the group started being harassed and threatened. Associated businesses were vandalized. Several people reported having to flee their homes. 

The New York Times concedes it was an ethical violation and claims they took disciplinary action against Frost, but it is unclear what that entailed. She is still publishing a daily briefing for the Times. 

Remember this the next time the NYT refers to conservatives as Nazis or Trump as Hitler.

We know who the real fascists are. And they still have their jobs.

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