Hong Kong PCPD Arrests Two for Suspected Doxxing

PCPD Media Statements (HK)

Filed March 10th, 2026

Detected March 13th, 2026

Summary

The Hong Kong Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) arrested two men for suspected doxxing and disclosure of personal data without consent, in contravention of the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance. The arrests stem from a monetary dispute where personal data and family photos were posted online.

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What changed

The Hong Kong Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) has arrested two individuals, aged 48 and 20, on suspicion of violating Section 64(3A) of the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (PDPO). The arrests are related to a monetary dispute where the personal data, including Chinese names and photos of a victim and their family members, were disclosed without consent via flyers posted outside the victim's business premises. This action constitutes doxxing and is considered a serious offense under Hong Kong law.

Regulated entities and individuals are reminded that doxxing is a serious offense with significant penalties. Under Section 64(3A) of the PDPO, conviction can lead to a fine of up to HK$100,000 and two years imprisonment. If the disclosure causes specified harm (harassment, psychological harm, safety concerns, or property damage), individuals can be charged under Section 64(3C), facing up to a HK$1,000,000 fine and five years imprisonment. The PCPD is continuing its investigation, and the arrested individuals have been granted bail.

What to do next

Review internal policies and procedures regarding personal data handling and disclosure.
Ensure all data disclosures are made with explicit consent, particularly in situations involving disputes.
Educate staff on the legal ramifications of doxxing and unauthorized data disclosure under the PDPO.

Penalties

Conviction under Section 64(3A) of the PDPO can result in a fine up to HK$100,000 and imprisonment for two years. Conviction under Section 64(3C) can result in a fine up to HK$1,000,000 and imprisonment for five years.

Source document (simplified)

Media Statements

Two Men Arrested for Suspected Doxxing Arising from Monetary Disputes

Date: 10 March 2026

Two Men Arrested for Suspected Doxxing Arising from Monetary Disputes

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) today arrested a Chinese male aged 48 (arrested person A) and a Chinese male aged 20 in the New Territories and Kowloon respectively. The two arrested persons were suspected to have disclosed the personal data of the data subject without his consent, in contravention of section 64(3A) of the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (PDPO).

The PCPD’s investigation revealed that the victim operates a real estate agency business. In 2025, arrested person A and the victim jointly purchased a unit of a village house as an investment. Shortly thereafter, arrested person A sought to withdraw from the investment and requested the victim to refund his contribution with interest, but no agreement could be reached between them. In January 2026, two different flyers were posted outside the premises of the victim’s company, alongside some negative comments against the victim, accusing him of failing to repay a debt and disclosing the victim’s personal data including the victim’s Chinese name and photos, including a photo of the victim’s family members.

The two arrested persons were granted bail. The PCPD will continue its investigation into the case.

The PCPD reminds members of the public that they should not dox others because of monetary disputes. Doxxing is not a means to resolve disputes as it would only escalate conflicts. Moreover, doxxing is a serious offence and the offender is liable on conviction to a fine up to HK$1,000,000 and imprisonment for five years.

Relevant provisions under the PDPO

Pursuant to section 64(3A) of the PDPO, a person commits an offence if the person discloses any personal data of a data subject without the relevant consent of the data subject—
1. with an intent to cause any specified harm to the data subject or any family member of the data subject; or
2. being reckless as to whether any specified harm would be, or would likely be, caused to the data subject or any family member of the data subject.
A person who commits an offence under section 64(3A) is liable on conviction to a fine of HK$100,000 and imprisonment for two years.

Pursuant to section 64(3C) of the PDPO, a person commits an offence if—
1. the person discloses any personal data of a data subject without the relevant consent of the data subject—

with an intent to cause any specified harm to the data subject or any family member of the data subject; or
being reckless as to whether any specified harm would be, or would likely be, caused to the data subject or any family member of the data subject; and
the disclosure causes any specified harm to the data subject or any family member of the data subject.
A person who commits an offence under section 64(3C) is liable on conviction on indictment to a fine of HK$1,000,000 and imprisonment for five years.

According to section 64(6) of the PDPO, specified harm in relation to a person means—
1. harassment, molestation, pestering, threat or intimidation to the person;
2. bodily harm or psychological harm to the person;
3. harm causing the person reasonably to be concerned for the person’s safety or well-being; or
4. damage to the property of the person.