News & Insights

Hong Kong privacy watchdog targets online platform operators

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Authored by: Jamie Cheung

Did you know?

According to statistics published by the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD), as of 30 June 2022, over 890 cessation notices have been issued under the new anti-doxxing provisions of the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (PDPO) to 17 online platforms to request the removal of doxxing-related content.

Why does this matter to you?

The anti-doxxing laws under the PDPO came into force on 8 October 2021, meaning that on average, over 100 cessation notices were issued every month in the first eight months of its operation. These statistics show that doxxing is a major area of concern and target for enforcement action by the regulatory authorities.

The PCPD is empowered to demand removal of doxxing content by an individual or company in Hong Kong, or even by non-Hong Kong service providers. As such, the cessation notice regime does have extraterritorial effect outside of Hong Kong. Online platform operators should be prepared for what to do if the PCPD serves a cessation notice, as failure to comply with a cessation notice can lead to criminal penalties, including up to two years’ imprisonment.

Key Contacts

Charmaine Koo

Consultant | Intellectual Property

Email or call +852 2825 9300

Related Services and Sectors:

Data Protection and Privacy, Intellectual Property

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