Officials urge public to refrain from 'box-opening'

China's top internet regulator said on Tuesday it is taking a zero-tolerance approach to the online practice known as "box-opening", or doxing, a form of cyber-enabled privacy invasion that has drawn widespread concern over online abuse and personal information leaks.

Box-opening, a term originating from Chinese cyberspace, refers to the malicious act of publicly disclosing others' personal information such as names, ID numbers, phone numbers, home addresses and social media accounts, often followed by inciting netizens to launch verbal attacks or harassment.

According to a release by the Office of the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission, a recent notice was issued requiring local cyberspace authorities and online platforms to intensify efforts to combat the practice. These measures include blocking the spread of related content, strengthening early-warning systems, increasing penalties and optimizing protection mechanisms.