Training modules/Dealing with online harassment/slides/what-not-to-do-the-streisand-effect
Handling personal information: What not to do – The "Streisand effect"
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The "Streisand effect" is a term used to refer to cases where trying to hide something actually makes it more visible. It is named after American actress Barbra Streisand, who, with a court order, attempted to stop the media from publishing a photograph of her house. The press attention from this court order led to more people seeing and sharing the photograph.
When attempting to handle doxing claims, keep in mind things that could make the situation worse. Of course, the number one priority should be ensuring the information leak is contained and doesn't spread any further.
- If you are not an oversighter, and cannot deal with this information right away, don't explicitly link to it in public. This includes on IRC and on administrative noticeboards. Doing so increases the chances of bad actors copying the information and leaking it in the future. Instead, contact an oversighter or oversighters directly, by email or on IRC. If the leak was on a wiki that doesn't have oversighters, contact a steward instead.
- If suppressing PII will require hiding many revisions, be aware that this will look strange and can look suspicious. There is every chance that such an action will raise suspicion and that the reason for the suppression might be questioned. Be sure to clarify this risk with the reporter and ensure they are willing to take the potential extra scrutiny.