Editorial | Numbers reveal need for greater awareness over crime of doxxing in Hong Kong
- Report by Hong Kong watchdog stresses importance of protecting personal data at a time when many social media users remain ignorant that they may be breaking the law
The protection of personal data has become increasingly necessary as technology makes access to, and disclosure of, such information easier.
Regrettably, awareness by the public on this front still lags the pace of technological and legal development. Doxxing is a case in point.
Many people may still be unaware that exposing someone’s personal details on the internet with malicious intent has been outlawed following concerns over such activities during the 2019 social unrest. There needs to be better education and publicity.
The issues were put into perspective in a work review by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data. Following the amendment of the law in October 2021, up to last December the commission had handled 2,128 doxxing cases, resulting in 114 criminal investigations and 32 referrals to the police for action.
Twelve suspects were arrested by the end of last year. The cases mainly involved disputes concerning money, work and relationships. Messages were carried primarily on social media platforms and apps (92 per cent), as well as posters (8 per cent). Of five people already charged, at least one was sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment.