Hong Kong’s privacy watchdog has urged schools and parents to exercise caution when sharing children’s photos online, warning that improper use could expose minors to risks associated with deepfake technology and privacy violations.
The call followed the release of new guidelines by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) on Wednesday, addressing the misuse of artificial intelligence-generated deepfake technology.
The guidelines outline common deepfake techniques and typical misuse scenarios in school settings, and provide practical advice to help schools and parents handle related incidents.
The PCPD noted that children and teenagers may create or share malicious deepfake content without fully understanding the legal consequences. It warned that such behavior could contravene the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance or other criminal laws.
The office advised schools to avoid publishing identifiable photos or videos of students, and to restrict such materials to secure intranet systems or parent platforms, with regular reviews and removal where appropriate.
It also emphasized the need to store students’ personal data on secure platforms and to adopt multi-factor authentication to enhance data protection.
Schools were encouraged to establish clear procedures for handling deepfake-related incidents, including crisis management and anti-bullying protocols, to safeguard affected students’ well-being and provide professional support when necessary.
The PCPD further recommended regular training for school staff, as well as workshops for students on safe online sharing practices.
Parents, meanwhile, were advised to think carefully before posting photos or videos of their children online, and to take appropriate measures to protect family images on social media.
They were also encouraged to educate their children on the responsible use of others’ personal data when creating digital content, including deepfakes, and to explain the potential legal responsibilities and consequences of misuse.
The PCPD urged parents to stay informed about guidelines on deepfake technology issued by relevant institutions.
