Privacy watchdog arrests man who doxxed taxi driver

The privacy watchdog arrested a 31-year-old man on Friday for allegedly disclosing the personal details of a taxi driver on social media. 

An investigation by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) revealed that the victim, who is a taxi driver, had been renting a taxi from the arrested person since September 2023, and the victim had provided a copy of his Hong Kong Identity Card (HKID card) to the arrested person for identity verification purposes. 

Later in November 2023, the rental arrangement was terminated upon the parties’ mutual agreement. Disputes, however, subsequently ensued between the parties. 

In December 2023, a message containing some allegations against the victim was posted in an open discussion group on a social media platform, along with a partly redacted copy of his HKID card which showed particulars of his personal data. 

The personal data disclosed included the victim's Chinese and English name, HKID card number, gender, and a personal photo. 

The watchdog warns members of the public that they should not dox others because of personal disputes and that anyone who commits doxxing is liable to a fine of HK$1,000,000 and imprisonment for a maximum of five years.