Court Hands Down HK's First Jail Sentence For Doxxing

A 27-year-old man was on Thursday jailed for eight months for disclosing personal information about an ex-girlfriend on social media.

Ho Muk-wah, who pleaded guilty, is the first person to be sentenced under anti-doxxing legislation that came into force last year.

Shatin Magistrates' Court heard that in October 2021, Ho posted online his former girlfriend's name, telephone number, work information, photos and social media account details.

He set up multiple social media accounts in her name and claimed she "welcomed others to visit her" - with this leading to strangers messaging the woman in the hope of becoming acquainted with her, the court was told.

Acting principal magistrate David Cheung said the defendant's actions had a "very serious impact" on the victim and her family.

Lo Dik-fan, a senior officer at the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data said they welcomed the court's ruling.

He said while this is the first sentence to be passed, as of November 30 a total of 109 investigations into suspected doxxing had been launched and 10 arrests made.

Lo noted that the maximum punishment for doxxing is five years in prison and a fine of up to HK$1,000,000.