PCPD arrests man for disclosing personal data on social platform

Hong Kong’s privacy watchdog has made another arrest for suspected doxxing offence in less than two months. A 31-year-old Chinese man in New Territories North was caught for suspectedly disclosing personal data of a complainant on a social media platform without consent.

According to the press statement of the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD), the investigation revealed that the arrested person and the complainant were former co-workers of a company, whose relationship subsequently turned sour because of performance at work, which ultimately led to the dismissal of the arrested person by the company.

Later in mid-October 2021, personal data of the complainant, including his Chinese name, mobile phone number, name of his residential estate, name of employer, along with information on the past deeds of the complainant, were posted on a social media platform.

The corresponding act is in contravention of section 64(3A) of the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (PDPO), said the watchdog. The arrested person is granted bail and the PCPD will continue its investigation into the case. 
 
The PCPD reminds members of the public that doxxing is a serious offence. An offender is liable on conviction to a fine up to $1,000,000 and imprisonment for five years. The PDPO applies equally to the online world. To avoid breaking the law, members of the public should think twice before publishing or forwarding any doxxing messages on the internet or social media.

Previously in July, Hong Kong's privacy watchdog has arrested a 35-year-old woman for allegedly disclosing the personal data of a complainant without consent.

According to the press release, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) arrested a Chinese female aged 35 in New Territories East. She was suspected to have disclosed the personal data of a complainant without her consent, in contravention of section 64(3A) of the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (PDPO).

The investigation revealed that the arrested person and the complainant, both being online traders, had had a business relationship which later turned sour because of a monetary dispute. In December 2021, the personal data of the complainant and her husband was disclosed in about 14 groups on a social media platform, which also contained allegations about fraudulent behaviour. The personal data disclosed included the Chinese names, phone number and photos of the complaint and her husband.

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