Editorial | Celebrity scandal raises concerns over dashcams

The private life of celebrities has an appeal to the masses, as shown in the frenzy over a video clip showing married Canto-pop singer Andy Hui Chi-on getting intimate with TV actress Jacqueline Wong at the back of a vehicle. But the exposé by a local media organisation goes beyond public curiosity and entertainment. The footage, apparently recorded and released without the pair’s consent, has put the spotlight on privacy protection amid growing use of dashboard cameras inside vehicles.

Hours after the racy clip went viral on Tuesday, a tearful Hui apologised for what he had done; Wong also expressed regret the following day, but both stopped short of blaming anyone for the leak. The footage appears to have been taken by a camera in front of the driver. Whether it was a taxi or private vehicle remains unclear. But it would be a breach of privacy if the video was taken and released without their knowledge and consent.

Increasingly, more public and private vehicles are using dashcams to record road traffic and use the footage as evidence for investigation in the event of disputes and accidents. Likewise, recording inside a vehicle compartment is also becoming common, so much so that it has prompted some taxis to install cameras behind the driver’s seat, a move the industry says can better protect cabbies and passengers in case of complaints or disputes.

The installation of such devices is supposedly regulated under the privacy law. The privacy commission said using cameras to record images and sounds of passengers inside vehicle compartments is by nature intrusive. Detailed consideration should be given on whether the installation is necessary for a lawful purpose, such as enhancing service or preventing crimes. Passengers should also be made aware of the installation and choose whether to continue with the ride or not. But the watchdog said there was insufficient evidence to warrant compliance checks at this stage.

Whether Hui and Wong want to pursue responsibility over the suspected intrusion of privacy is a matter for them to decide. But the incident has aroused wider discussion over the use of cameras and the relevant privacy issues, which hopefully will raise awareness of the rights and liabilities arising from the use of dashcams.