A website known as ‘Dogequest’ has sparked outrage and concerns about privacy and security by allegedly publishing personal information of Tesla owners across the U.S. The website, which surfaced amid a growing wave of anti-Elon Musk sentiment, features an interactive map that displays Tesla owners’ names, addresses, and phone numbers. Per a report by media outlet 404 Media, the site’s use of a Molotov cocktail as its cursor has only added to the controversy, with critics calling it an incitement to violence. At the time of filing this story, the Dogequest website was down.
The operators of website claim they will only remove the information of Tesla owners from their platform if the owners can provide proof that they have sold their vehicles, the media outlet noted. This stark demand has raised serious questions about the safety of individuals targeted by the site, especially as it comes at a time when Tesla properties have increasingly become the focus of attacks.
What is Dogequest?
Dogequest describes itself as an anonymous platform designed to empower Tesla protesters. The site includes a searchable database of Tesla owners across the U.S., alongside the locations of the EV maker’s dealerships and charging stations. In a highly disturbing twist, it also lists the addresses of employees from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an agency associated with Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
The website’s data accuracy has been questioned. Some of the individuals listed on the platform are confirmed to be Tesla owners, but many locations plotted on the interactive map do not seem to correspond to real-world addresses, calling into question the veracity of the information provided, the outlet noted. Some critics have suggested that the website might not even have access to accurate data, further complicating the situation. Despite this, the website’s rhetoric has raised alarm.
One section of Dogequest openly encourages vandalism, saying: “If you’re on the hunt for a Tesla to unleash your artistic flair with a spray can, just step outside—no map needed!” It goes on to state: “At DOGEQUEST, we believe in empowering creative expressions of protest that you can execute from the comfort of your own home.” Such language has many concerned about the potential for violence, especially given the platform’s connection to the rising tide of anti-Tesla activism.
How has Mr. Musk responded, and why is hostility against Tesla surging?
Mr. Musk wasted no time in responding to the site. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, he condemned the actions of Dogequest, calling it “extreme domestic terrorism.” Mr. Musk’s words reflect the growing tension surrounding both his company and his personal political affiliations. “Encouraging destruction of Teslas throughout the country is extreme domestic terrorism,” he said, adding that the website was just one part of an alarming trend of hostility toward his company.
Dogequest gained significant attention in the wake of a series of violent attacks targeting Tesla properties across the U.S. According to a report by Newsweek, five Tesla vehicles were set on fire at a service centre in Las Vegas by an individual wielding Molotov cocktails. The word “RESIST” was spray-painted on the front door of the facility, suggesting that the attack was part of a larger political statement against Mr. Musk and his company.
Further incidents followed. In Kansas City, two Tesla Cybertrucks were set ablaze, while in South Carolina, an arsonist attempting to torch a Tesla charging station ended up accidentally setting himself on fire. The FBI is now investigating these incidents, and federal officials have classified these attacks as acts of domestic terrorism.
The attacks on Tesla properties appear to be part of a larger wave of protest against Mr. Musk’s ties with U.S. President Donald Trump. Mr. Musk’s outspoken political stances, particularly his support for government spending cuts, have inflamed tensions, especially with activists and federal employees. These political controversies have only deepened the backlash against both Mr. Musk and his company, culminating in protests outside Tesla showrooms and the emergence of websites like Dogequest.
In New York City, for instance, around 250 protesters gathered outside a Tesla showroom, chanting slogans like “Musk Must Go” and “Block Fascism Now.” While most of the protestors engaged in peaceful demonstrations, five were arrested for disorderly conduct, and one faced charges of resisting arrest.
Tesla has not only been targeted by activists but also by some of its own investors. Ross Gerber, an early investor in Tesla, publicly criticised Mr. Musk’s involvement in politics, arguing that his actions have hurt the company’s reputation.
“It’s time for somebody to run Tesla,” Mr. Gerber said in a recent interview with Sky News. “The business has been neglected for too long. There are too many important things Tesla is doing, so either Elon should come back to Tesla and be the CEO of Tesla and give up his other jobs or he should focus on the government and keep doing what he is doing but find a suitable CEO of Tesla.”
This growing hostility has also had a tangible impact on Tesla’s stock market performance. Reports indicate that Tesla’s shares have dropped more than 50% since the fall election, reflecting the broader backlash against Musk’s leadership and the mounting political controversy surrounding the company.
What’s next for Tesla and Dogequest?
As Dogequest gains more attention, concerns about the safety of Tesla owners and the potential legal consequences for those behind the site continue to mount. The FBI and cybersecurity experts are now working to investigate the origins of the website and the accuracy of the information it has published. Law enforcement agencies are also looking into the possibility of legal action against the site’s operators for their role in potentially inciting violence.
For Tesla owners whose information has been exposed, the situation is tense. They are being urged to monitor their personal data closely and report any suspicious activity to authorities. Meanwhile, Tesla has ramped up efforts to secure its properties and protect its employees from further attacks, even as the company faces growing public scrutiny.
Whether or not the site’s operators will face legal consequences remains unclear. However, Dogequest has undeniably added a new and troubling layer to the already complex controversy surrounding Tesla, its CEO, and the political divisions surrounding the company. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether Tesla will be able to regain its footing or if the mounting protests and cyber harassment will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the company’s turbulent history.
Published – March 20, 2025 02:34 pm IST