Hong Kong privacy watchdog refers doxxing incidents related to Legco scuffle to police
- Cyberattacks were made against security guards who helped throw lawmakers out of House Committee meeting on May 8
- Office of the Privacy Commissioner has contacted three social media platforms to remove content
Three social media platforms were also contacted by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) to remove malicious postings, while telling doxxers to “stop the criminal acts immediately”.
Privacy Commissioner Stephen Wong Kai-yi said some of the cases had been referred to the police to follow up after preliminary investigations, while other incidents were still being looked into.
“The PCPD will take further action in accordance with the law if doxxing or criminal doxxing involving intimidation is found,” said Wong.
Seven security personnel targeted by online harassment complained to the privacy watchdog.
Part of the inquiry focused on social media posts that revealed personal details about the staff. The linked information also provided private details about the workers' family members, with online users wishing harm on their spouses and children, according to the office.
Doxxing is a criminal offence in Hong Kong, and any person found guilty of the charge can be subject to a fine of HK$1 million (US$129,000) and five years in jail.
Pro-establishment lawmaker Priscilla Leung Mei-fun, who has been helping the security guards who were attacked online, called for the watchdog’s powers to be increased.
“The powers of the PCPD should be strengthened to combat doxxing acts more effectively,” Wong said.
Among her suggestions was for the watchdog to be given the power to conduct criminal investigations and prosecutions, be given the power to issue financial penalties, and to force social media platforms and websites to remove doxxing content.
Tougher privacy laws of an identical nature sought by the watchdog are being considered by the government.
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