Hong Kong privacy watchdog arrests boxer for allegedly doxxing opponent
Hong Kong’s privacy watchdog has arrested a boxer on suspicion of doxxing an opponent on social media platforms, disclosing the victim’s personal information and workplace without his consent. The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) said on Thursday that the 29-year-old suspect had twice targeted the victim, a man he had fought at a boxing tournament in early 2025. On two…
Meta Platforms has initiated alerts for parents whose children repeatedly search for suicide or self-harm content on Instagram, part of the company's broader efforts to enhance online safety for young users. Parents can receive notifications via email, text, WhatsApp, or directly through Instagram, depending on the contact details they provide.
These alerts will guide parents to expert resources for discussing potentially sensitive topics. Philip Chua, Meta's Asia-Pacific manager for product public policy, emphasized the delicate balance between protecting teens and enabling parental intervention. Meta directs users to resources like The Samaritan Befrienders Hong Kong upon searching sensitive terms.
The alerts, launching this month, are triggered by repeated searches for terms like "suicide" and "self-harm," as well as phrases encouraging such actions or expressing intent to harm oneself. Instagram requires users to be at least 13 years old, while Meta's Teen Accounts safeguards apply to those aged 13 to 17. This move comes after Meta agreed to pay up to US$18 billion over ten years to settle lawsuits alleging the platforms were designed to addict children and misled the public about the risks they posed to young users. The company denies wrongdoing, and the settlement is pending judicial approval.
Meta will introduce stricter safeguards, including a default two-hour daily usage limit for teens, restrictions on midnight to 6 a.m. access without parental permission, and limits on notifications during school hours. The company also plans to distribute a digital safety toolkit to over 150 family service units and 1,300 primary and secondary schools, reaching more than 35,000 caregivers.
Additionally, Meta will train 100 parent-teacher association representatives through its "Digital Parent Navigation" program and promote educational materials on screen time, cyber safety, and healthy digital habits. Privacy Commissioner Ada Chung Lai-ling highlighted the shared responsibility of parents, educators, and social media companies in protecting children online, emphasizing ongoing efforts in this area.
Chiu, a lawmaker focused on technology and innovation, cautioned against blanket bans, arguing that children would circumvent restrictions and that platforms, schools, and parents all needed to contribute. Andy Chan, a supervisor at the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, advocated for emotional support over punishment, encouraging parents to preserve evidence, avoid blaming children who may be victims, and seek professional counseling if necessary.
Meta's Teen Accounts protections are already in place across its platforms in Hong Kong, providing age-appropriate content restrictions, contact limits with strangers, and reminders after 60 minutes of daily use. Parents can further customize these settings. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, help is available in Hong Kong through the Mental Health Support Hotline (18111), The Samaritans (+852 2896 0000), and Suicide Prevention Services (+852 2382 0000). In the US, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post - Hong Kong's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
