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Friday, Oct 11, 2024
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Woman arrested on suspicion of doxxing friend's ex
A 27-year-old Chinese woman was on Wednesday arrested as she was suspected of having disclosed the personal data of her close friend’s ex-boyfriend in a social media post in February last year, which contained the ex’s Chinese name, company and residential addresses, and phone number.
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) said the arrestee got acquainted with the close friend’s ex in February 2022, but the close friend and her ex broke up in July of the same year.
The same month the couple broke up, a post containing the ex’s personal data with negative comments was found on a social media platform.
The personal data disclosed included the ex’s Chinese name, company and residential address, mobile phone number, social media account name, and photos.
The woman was then arrested today in Kowloon on suspicion of disclosing the personal data of a data subject without his consent, violating the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.
The woman has been released on bail, and PCPD said they are continuing the investigation into the case.
PCPD reminded the public that the Ordinance applies equally to the online world and that doxxing is a serious offense. An offender, upon conviction, is liable to a fine of up to HK$1 million and five years imprisonment.
Citizens are also reminded to think twice before publishing or forwarding any doxxing messages on the internet or social media platforms to avoid breaking the law.
The same month the couple broke up, a post containing the ex’s personal data with negative comments was found on a social media platform.
The personal data disclosed included the ex’s Chinese name, company and residential address, mobile phone number, social media account name, and photos.
The woman was then arrested today in Kowloon on suspicion of disclosing the personal data of a data subject without his consent, violating the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.
The woman has been released on bail, and PCPD said they are continuing the investigation into the case.
PCPD reminded the public that the Ordinance applies equally to the online world and that doxxing is a serious offense. An offender, upon conviction, is liable to a fine of up to HK$1 million and five years imprisonment.
Citizens are also reminded to think twice before publishing or forwarding any doxxing messages on the internet or social media platforms to avoid breaking the law.
