What’s Dogequest, the web site publishing names, cellphone numbers of Telsa homeowners in US – Firstpost

An internet site referred to as “Dogequest” has uncovered private particulars of Tesla homeowners throughout the US.

The location, which emerged amid rising opposition to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, options names, addresses and cellphone numbers of Tesla homeowners on an interactive map.

It additionally highlights the areas of Tesla dealerships, charging stations and recognized addresses of workers of the Division of Authorities Effectivity (Doge), the US federal company linked to Musk.

Including to considerations over its intent, the web site makes use of a Molotov cocktail picture as its cursor. It claims to “empower inventive expressions of protest” and states that Tesla homeowners can solely have their data eliminated if they supply proof that they’ve offered their car.

The web site’s launch coincides with rising tensions surrounding Musk’s political function, significantly
his ties to US President Donald Trump.

Musk’s management at Doge has drawn important criticism resulting from his aggressive push for finances cuts, which has led to authorized battles and friction inside the federal authorities.

Dogequest’s look on-line aligns with
an escalation in vandalism and arson assaults concentrating on Tesla properties. Whereas there is no such thing as a confirmed hyperlink between the web site and these assaults, federal authorities are investigating the chance.

In Las Vegas, an assailant clad in black used Molotov cocktails to set hearth to 5 Teslas at a service centre, leaving “RESIST” spray-painted on the constructing’s entrance.

Comparable incidents have occurred throughout the nation, together with the torching of two Cybertrucks in Kansas Metropolis and an arson try at a Tesla charging station in South Carolina, the place the perpetrator by accident set himself on hearth.

Further assaults embrace swastikas being painted on Teslas at a dealership in San Diego, vandalism at charging stations within the Boston space and Molotov cocktails being hurled at a Tesla showroom in Colorado. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Workplace has confirmed a number of incidents of Tesla vandalism in latest weeks.

A disturbing facet of the Dogequest web site is its encouragement of those acts of destruction. One part states: “When you’re on the hunt for a Tesla to unleash your creative aptitude with a twig can, simply step outdoors — no map wanted!”

The web site additionally hyperlinks to the “No Hint Mission,” a platform offering steering on how activists can keep away from surveillance and legislation enforcement detection.

The FBI has launched an investigation, with Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirming on X (previously Twitter) that the company is “actively engaged on the Tesla incidents and the swatting incidents.”

How have Musk and co. reacted?

Elon Musk has
strongly condemned Dogequest, labelling it “excessive home terrorism.” Posting on X, he warned: “Encouraging destruction of Teslas all through the nation is excessive home terrorism!!”

Encouraging destruction of Teslas all through the nation is excessive home terrorism!! https://t.co/8TCNIbrQxA

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 18, 2025

US Legal professional Common Pam Bondi has echoed these considerations,
stating that assaults on Tesla properties are “nothing wanting home terrorism” and pledging an intensive federal investigation.

Tesla itself has not but issued an official assertion, however the firm has suggested clients to allow “sentry mode” on their autos.

This characteristic permits Tesla homeowners to observe and file their environment utilizing built-in cameras, probably offering proof in case of vandalism or different threats.

Earlier than utilizing Dwell Digicam View from the app for the primary time, be certain that it’s enabled in your car touchscreen pic.twitter.com/tJcjWFo1cq

— Tesla (@Tesla) March 19, 2025

Whereas Dogequest claims to “neither endorse nor condemn any actions” taken because of its existence, its creation has been extensively seen as an escalation within the anti-Tesla motion.

The web site’s operators haven’t responded to media inquiries, and its area registration is masked via an nameless internet hosting service, Njalla Okta LLC, reported NBC Information.

The extent of the info leak remains to be unclear, as some Tesla homeowners have confirmed that their listed particulars are correct, whereas others have reported outdated or incorrect data. The web site doesn’t seem to comprise a full listing of Tesla homeowners, as solely a fraction are displayed in some main cities the place Tesla autos are frequent.

How is Tesla faring out there?

The Dogequest controversy emerges at a time when Tesla is already dealing with important challenges. Since Trump’s election in late 2024, Tesla’s inventory has
plummeted by over 50 per cent, erasing roughly $800 billion in market worth.

The corporate’s repute has suffered, partially resulting from Musk’s involvement with the Trump administration, in addition to his more and more polarising political stances.

Investor confidence in Musk is waning. Ross Gerber, an early Tesla investor, has publicly known as for Musk to step down as CEO, arguing that his political entanglements have considerably broken the corporate’s model.

“Gross sales are plummeting. It’s a disaster. You actually can’t promote the very best product within the market as a result of the CEO is so divisive,” Gerber instructed Sky Information.

In the meantime, Tesla showrooms have turn into focal factors for protests. In New York Metropolis, round 250 demonstrators gathered outdoors a Tesla showroom, chanting slogans corresponding to “Musk Should Go” and “Block Fascism Now.” 5 people had been arrested for disorderly conduct, and one was charged with resisting arrest.

The web site stays intermittently accessible, with authorities and cybersecurity specialists working to trace its origin and assess whether or not authorized motion could be taken in opposition to its operators.

Whereas some activists defend Dogequest as a type of protest, many see it as a severe breach of privateness and a possible incitement to violence.

With inputs from companies