The legal framework
The Crimes (Amendment) Ordinance 2021 introduced offences of voyeurism, unlawful recording or observation of intimate parts, publication of images originating from such acts, and publication or threatened publication of intimate images without consent. The separate doxxing amendment to the privacy ordinance gives the Privacy Commissioner power to demand removal.
Key points
| Statute | Crimes (Amendment) Ordinance 2021 |
|---|---|
| Offences | Voyeurism, unlawful recording, publication of intimate images, threats to publish |
| Doxxing | Separate criminal regime under the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance |
| Removal | Cessation notices from the Privacy Commissioner, including to overseas platforms |
| Court orders | Injunctions available |
| Anonymity | Reporting restrictions can be sought |
| Threats covered | Threatening to publish an intimate image is an offence in its own right |
| Cessation notices | The Commissioner can require removal, including from overseas services |
In practice
- Save the evidence before reporting: screenshots with the URL and date, the account name, and any messages.
- Use the platform's own reporting form first — it is the fastest route to removal — then report to the authority.
- Use StopNCII.org or Take It Down for intimate images: they create a digital fingerprint so participating platforms can block re-uploads without you sending the image anywhere.
- Do not pay a person demanding money to delete an image: payment almost always leads to further demands.
- Ask the Privacy Commissioner for a cessation notice: it reaches overseas platforms.
Where to go
- Hong Kong Police, Technology Crime Division.
- Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data.
- Association Concerning Sexual Violence Against Women.
Worth knowing
Before 2021 these acts had to be squeezed into unrelated offences and many prosecutions failed: the current framework is much more direct, but it applies only to conduct after it came into force. Both the publication and the threat to publish are offences. Evidence of the threat alone is enough to report.
Official sources and links
- GovHK — official government portal