Telegram ‘surprised’ to learn of possible ban by privacy watchdog

Messaging app Telegram expressed shock over the rumored ban in Hong Kong imposed by the privacy watchdog but stressed any request for political screening or human rights restriction “will not be considered.” 

The reaction came after Sing Tao Daily, The Standard’s sister publication, reported that Hong Kong authorities are deliberating whether to curtail public access to the messaging app. 

The Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data is considering invoking regulations for the first time to restrict access to a platform it found to be rampant with doxing -- online exposure of sensitive and personal data -- according to the report. 

The report added that the widespread doxing was aimed at government officials as well as citizens. 

Replying to media inquiries, Telegram’s spokesperson Remi Vaughn said he was “surprised” by the possible ban. He pointed out that the company always opposes the sharing of private personal information and restricts content related to doxing. 

However, Vaughn noted that requests related to political screening and human rights restrictions, including people’s freedom of speech or freedom of association and assembly, “are not and will not be considered. 

He continued that no matter where the complaints are from, the company will handle each of them in accordance with its terms of service and privacy policy. 

The company will also act on any content involving illegal pornography or incitement of violence. 

Meanwhile, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Personal Data refused to comment on an individual case. 

The office said depending on the quantity and frequency of the doxing content, they will take appropriate law enforcement actions to combat doxing and minimize the impact on the victims. 

The commissioner can demand that the platform delete the doxing messages or ban the public’s access to the platform altogether. The office also said it is an offense if the platform does not comply with the authorities’ orders. 

Meanwhile, “Son Searching for Dad and Mom,” a Telegram channel set up amid the social unrest, suspectedly sent over 1,000 doxing messages to “avenge” the government’s possible ban on the app. 

Although the administrator keeps deleting the doxing messages, the channel is still overwhelmed by messages posted by the subscribers. 

Victims include outgoing Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor and even the privacy commissioner Ada Chung Lai-ling herself.