Doxxing has become a powerful weapon in the Hong Kong protests
Having your private information leaked for political reasons may become the new normal
“Since my personal information has been posted online, I get a lot of hidden phone calls,” said David, a victim of Hong Kong’s recent doxxing boom.
David, an alias used to avoid bringing further unwanted attention, had his private information leaked on a website that targets Hong Kong protesters and anyone thought to support them.
And he’s not alone. Hundreds of people on both sides of the conflict in Hong Kong have had their sensitive personal data posted online, from protesters to police, activists to government officials.
In David’s case, alongside his own date of birth, phone number and address, the site also shows the name of his parents and their addresses.
“They don't know about that,” said David, who is in his mid-twenties.
David’s information was posted to a site called HKleaks, which targets activists, journalists, social workers and even local media magnates. The top banner of the site makes its intent clear:
