The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data in Hong Kong has urged the public to exercise heightened caution when sharing personal information online. This advisory follows a significant spike in privacy-related complaints, which rose by more than 60% year-on-year during the first six months of 2026. Privacy Commissioner Ada Chung Lai-ling highlighted that personal data has increasingly become a valuable and tradeable asset, making individuals more vulnerable to exploitation in the digital age.

The watchdog specifically identified online shopping platforms and membership registration processes as areas where users should be particularly vigilant. As AI technologies continue to evolve, the commissioner noted that the demand for personal data has intensified, creating new risks for consumers. While the report emphasizes the need for individual awareness, it also underscores the broader challenge of protecting sensitive information in an environment where data is frequently collected and exchanged by commercial entities.

This warning serves as a formal call to action for residents to scrutinize the data collection practices of the services they use. The commissioner’s office suggests that by limiting the information provided during routine digital transactions, residents can better protect themselves against potential misuse. The surge in complaints reflects a growing public concern regarding how personal information is handled by businesses and third-party platforms in Hong Kong.