Editorial | Better doxxing law needed in Hong Kong despite fall in cases
- Malicious posting of personal details online causes misery to victims and cases peaked during Hong Kong’s social unrest, but fewer reported instances since is no reason for the city not to ensure greater privacy
The dramatic plunge in the number of doxxing cases last year is welcome, although it was to be expected. The malicious posting of personal details online surged during the protests and civil unrest of 2019.
It is not surprising the problem eased when the demonstrations died down. But doxxing remains a threat. Legal reform is needed to ensure people’s privacy is protected while safeguarding other rights.
There were a staggering 4,370 doxxing cases in the second half of 2019, when records began amid the protests. Last year saw 1,036, a significant improvement. It is, however, still far too many.
Police officers and their families were the prime targets, but public officials, judicial officers, protesters, journalists and others were also victims. There were offenders on both sides of the political divide. Doxxing is a menace that causes misery to its victims.
Hong Kong’s privacy laws do not provide sufficient legal safeguards. Disclosing personal data without consent is a crime if it causes psychological harm , but this does not cover all doxxing cases.