Hong Kong lawyer warns against doxxing after AIA staff suspended over mall brawl

A Hong Kong lawyer has cautioned internet users against the practice of doxxing, or exposing someone's personal information online, following an incident at a Kwun Tong shopping centre. The incident involved AIA staff members who were involved in a brawl at a children's play area. AIA subsequently suspended an employee who was linked to the viral dispute.

The employee's mother, who was 68 years old, was also involved in the brawl and now faces an additional charge of common assault. A viral video of the brawl showed the 34-year-old woman and her mother, whose personal details were widely shared online, including her name, profession, social media accounts, and the address of the AIA office where she worked.

Lawyer Vincent Chong Yip-fung warned that social media users who disclose others' personal information without cause could be committing the criminal offence of doxxing, which can cause psychological harm. He advised against disclosing personal information and suggested that law enforcement should handle the situation. The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data stated that they had not received any complaints related to the matter and would not comment due to ongoing judicial proceedings.

The brawl reportedly began when a boy and a five-year-old girl engaged in a dispute in the play area, leading the grandmother to intervene. The girl's mother slapped the grandmother, and an altercation ensued between the mother, daughter, and the grandmother.