[WORKSHOP] How to Not Get Doxed as a Political Artist

​Political art can attract intense scrutiny, and for some artists, that attention can escalate into online harassment, doxing, and real-world intimidation. Personal information scattered across social media profiles, public records, and online databases can be collected and used to target artists and their communities.

​In this online workshop, artist and technologist David Huerta explores how personal information becomes accessible online and what artists can do to protect themselves and their loved ones.

​We’ll examine the mechanics of doxing and swatting, explore how publicly available information can be used to build profiles of individuals, and learn practical strategies for reducing exposure. Topics include social media security and privacy settings, open-source intelligence (OSINT), and the role of data brokers in collecting and distributing personal information.

​Through a guided exercise, participants will learn how to request the removal of their personal information from Whitepages, putting these privacy practices into action.

​By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a better understanding of how your personal information circulates online and practical tools to reduce your vulnerability to targeted harassment.

​Workshop Details

• ​Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026

• ​Time: 10 AM – 12 PM PT / 1 – 3 PM ET

• ​Location: Online via Zoom.
  The Zoom link will be included in your RSVP confirmation message.

• ​Cost: $0–$30 sliding scale

• ​Experience level: Beginner to advanced

​Workshop Outline

• ​Political Art and Online Harassment
  Understanding the digital risks faced by political artists and how online harassment can escalate beyond the screen.

• ​Doxing and Swatting
  Exploring how personal information is collected, combined, and used to target individuals.

• ​Social Media Security and Privacy
  Reviewing account settings and practical steps to reduce personal information exposure.

• ​Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT)
  Understanding how publicly accessible information can be used to build profiles and exploring strategies to mitigate these risks.

• ​Data Brokers and Personal Information
  Learning how data brokers collect personal information and how to request its removal.

• ​Hands-On Exercise
  Practice requesting the removal of personal information from Whitepages.

​What to Bring

​A computer with a reliable internet connection. Participants may also wish to have access to their social media accounts to review privacy and security settings during the workshop.

​What’s Provided

​Live instruction and guided exercises exploring digital privacy, online security, and strategies for reducing personal information exposure.

​What You’ll Learn

​By the end of this workshop, participants will:

• ​Understand how doxing and swatting are used to intimidate and harass individuals

• ​Identify how publicly available information can be collected and combined to create profiles of individuals

• ​Review and improve privacy and security settings across social media accounts

• ​Understand how open-source intelligence (OSINT) can expose personal information and explore ways to reduce that exposure

• ​Learn how data brokers collect and distribute personal information

• ​Practice requesting the removal of personal information from Whitepages

• ​Develop practical strategies to reduce the risks of targeted online harassment

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​About the Instructor

​David Huerta is an artist and technologist focused on online privacy. He has worked with the Freedom of the Press Foundation, National Association of Hispanic Journalists, Empire State Library Network, and The New School’s Digital Equity Lab to help their communities protect themselves from online surveillance and targeted cyberattacks.

​He has also spoken about usable privacy technology at DEF CON, Radical Networks, RightsCon, FACETS, and Allied Media Conference.

​Additional Information

• ​This workshop takes place online via Zoom.

• ​No refunds or exchanges

• ​View our FAQ.

• ​Contact info@grayarea.org with any questions

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