OPINION

Opinion: To Truly Protect Data, China Must Win Its War on Doxing

Published: Jun. 9, 2025 7:09 p.m. GMT+8

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Officials assert that this heightened scrutiny isn’t designed to hobble internet platforms or curtail their growth. Rather, they argue, a web free from intimidation and abuse is foundational to the industry’s sustainable health. Photo: AI generated

China’s internet watchdog recently put Big Tech on notice, escalating its campaign against the pernicious online practice of doxing, known as “kaihe” in Chinese, or “unboxing.” Doxing involves exposing everything from names and ID numbers to home addresses and social media accounts — typically to incite public harassment. In a directive aimed at stemming this digital scourge, Beijing is demanding a “zero-tolerance” approach from platforms like Weibo and Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok.

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China's internet watchdog is escalating its campaign against online doxing, known as "kaihe" or "unboxing."
The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) is demanding a "zero-tolerance" approach from platforms and focusing on blocking personal information dissemination.
Platforms are now required to cleanse illegally posted personal data and combat content promoting doxing methods.

AI generated, for reference only

Who’s Who

Weibo: Weibo is a major Chinese internet platform, akin to a social media giant. It is being tasked by Beijing to adopt a "zero-tolerance" approach against doxing, a practice known as "kaihe" or "unboxing" in China. This involves cleansing illegally posted personal data, content that incites privacy breaches, and slander from its site.

Douyin: Douyin is the Chinese version of TikTok and is actively included in China's crackdown on doxing, which is known as "kaihe" or "unboxing." China demands a "zero-tolerance" approach from platforms like Douyin, requiring them to remove illegally posted personal data, content that encourages privacy breaches, and slander.

AI generated, for reference only

What Happened When

By 2025：: Beijing ordered major platforms to regularly publish governance reports, publicize typical doxing cases, and refer criminal evidence to law enforcement as part of compliance.

In 2025：: China’s internet watchdog escalated its campaign against doxing, issuing a directive to internet platforms including Weibo and Douyin to adopt a 'zero-tolerance' approach.

In 2025：: Officials of the Cyberspace Administration of China described doxing via 'unboxing' as a criminal act and called attention to a trend of tech-savvy youths weaponizing doxing to silence dissent.

In 2025：: The CAC implemented a multi-pronged crackdown, including blocking the dissemination of personal information, enhancing early warning systems, imposing stricter penalties, and reinforcing protective measures. This crackdown built on previous warnings and efforts within the same year.

In 2025：: A number of high-profile penalties were announced against major online platforms for doxing-related failures.

In 2025：: China called for a robust public education campaign regarding the legal ramifications of doxing and urged for a societal stance against the practice.

In 2025：: The enforcement of China’s Personal Information Protection Law was emphasized as part of the anti-doxing campaign, targeting the end of rampant data collection and unauthorized trading of personal information.

AI generated, for reference only