Hong Kong’s privacy watchdog on Thursday arrested a 57-year-old man in the New Territories on suspicion of doxxing a taxi driver amid a financial dispute. The suspect is accused of unlawfully disclosing the victim’s personal data without consent, violating the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.
The case stemmed from a dispute within a taxi industry chat group on an instant messaging platform.
According to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data’s investigation, the arrested individual served as an administrator of the group, while the victim was a taxi driver who had joined in April 2025.
Upon joining, the driver had submitted a photo of his Taxi Driver Identity Plate to the group admin as required.
The conflict arose in mid-May 2025 when the victim became embroiled in an argument with another individual over alleged unpaid taxi rental fees.
Later that month, messages containing the victim’s personal details—including his Chinese and English names, mobile number, taxi license plate, and a photo of his identity plate—were shared in the group alongside disparaging remarks.
The messages accused the victim of owing money and urged group members to circulate the information further.
The suspect has been released on bail as the watchdog continues its investigation. Authorities warned the public against using doxxing as a means to settle disputes, emphasizing that such acts only aggravate conflicts and carry severe legal consequences.
Under Hong Kong law, doxxing offenders face fines of up to HK$1 million and a maximum imprisonment of five years upon conviction.
(Marco Lam)
