Woman arrested for doxxing neighbors with whom she bears a grudge

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data on Tuesday arrested a woman on suspicion of disclosing the personal data of two of her neighbors without their consent, after their relationship became tense due to previous grudges.

The privacy watchdog’s investigation revealed that a dispute first arose between the arrestee and the victims - a married couple - in March 2022. It was said that by that time, the arrestee had taken a video of the victims with her mobile phone.

From the date following the dispute up to May 2023, four messages containing the personal data of the victims, each with the said video attached, were posted in two open discussion groups on a social media platform, alongside some negative comments and allegations against the victims, according to the watchdog.

The personal data disclosed included the victims’ Chinese names, residential address and photos, as well as their appearances as recorded in the video.

The Office said the woman is currently in custody and an investigation is ongoing.

Members of the public were also reminded not to dox others as it is a serious offence and offenders are liable on conviction to a fine up to HK$1,000,000 and imprisonment for five years.