Influencers Hire Private Investigators to Expose Online Trolls

​ ‌ Updated June​ 17, 2025
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Online trolls beware: Some influencers are​ fighting back against harassment by⁤ hiring private investigators to reveal their identities. This trend highlights the​ increasing tension between ‌online ​anonymity and accountability⁣ for online behavior.

Indy ⁤Clinton, an Australian⁤ influencer with 2.1 million TikTok⁤ followers⁢ and 2023’s Creator of the Year, recently posted ⁢a video detailing her experience. Clinton said she received a 64-page report ​from a private investigator after a three-month investigation into individuals⁣ who she says have been bullying, defaming, and‍ trolling her and her family for months, even years.

Clinton captioned her video with, “Change is coming. and‌ I‍ will spend my last dollars to make change before I renovate my bathroom,” and the hashtag #urnotanonymous.

The move was‌ met with support from ⁣other influencers, with many praising Clinton for taking action. Some even inquired about the private investigator’s contact information. The trolls, however, were noticeably silent.

Clinton claimed on her Instagram Story that she now possesses specific information about her trolls, ⁣including‌ their addresses, Australian Business Numbers, and even details about their youthful tattoos. she expressed surprise ‍that many of the trolls ‍were ⁢fellow mothers.

A May 2025 survey by Manychat, a ⁤chat marketing platform, revealed that 61% of 974 Americans admitted to making offensive jokes or comments online, and 60% confessed to spreading rumors. More than 75% believed‍ their online actions have no real-world consequences, despite research linking online harassment to anxiety, sleep disruption, and suicidal thoughts.

The promise of​ anonymity frequently⁤ enough emboldens trolls. According to the survey, 84% of ‍respondents said they feel more empowered to speak freely online when anonymous.

However, the tide may be turning as influencers take action. Last week, the anonymous founder of Tattle Life, a British gossip forum, was​ revealed to be an influencer. This unmasking​ followed a two-year investigation and defamation lawsuit led by Neil and Donna Sands. “The internet is not an anonymous⁣ place,” they ​posted on​ Instagram.

What’s next

As more influencers take similar steps, ​the perceived ‍safety of online anonymity may diminish, perhaps leading to a decrease in online harassment and ⁤a greater sense of accountability for online actions. The role of social media platforms in‌ addressing and preventing online abuse ⁤remains a critical area ‍for future ⁢development