Baidu is working diligently to restore public confidence following a doxxing incident involving the daughter of one of its senior executives. This incident, which has sparked widespread outrage, has put data privacy concerns at the forefront of discussions regarding the company’s operations in China.
The controversy erupted on March 17, 2025, when Xie Guangjun, Baidu’s vice-president, publicly apologized on his WeChat account for the actions of his 13-year-old daughter. She had posted the personal information of an individual online, an act known as doxxing, which is considered a serious breach of privacy. In the apology, Xie acknowledged the gravity of the situation and expressed regret for the distress caused by his daughter's actions.
In response to this incident, Baidu held a briefing on March 20, 2025, led by its security chief, Chen Yang. During this briefing, Baidu issued a firm statement emphasizing its "zero tolerance" policy concerning breaches of user privacy. Chen reiterated the measures the company has in place to ensure robust data anonymization and strict access controls. He outlined that the source of the leaked information was traced to an overseas database containing illegally obtained personal data.
This incident comes at a challenging time for Baidu as it seeks to maintain and regain user trust amidst escalating competition within China's rapidly evolving AI services industry. Concerns have grown that damage to the company’s reputation for security could result in a loss of revenue from users who may be hesitant to rely on its cloud storage services and AI applications.
To tackle these concerns and enhance its commitment to user safety, Baidu announced the establishment of a dedicated fund aimed at combating cybercrime. Moreover, the company has plans to form an "anti-doxxing" alliance. This initiative is intended to combat illegal data theft and protect users from potential breaches of privacy.
Baidu's strategic moves underscore its recognition of the vital importance of upholding user trust, particularly against a backdrop where data protection has become a paramount concern globally. As companies navigate this minefield, Baidu’s proactive steps may serve as a blueprint for similar firms wary of potential reputational damage in the digital age.
With users increasingly aware of their privacy rights and the potential consequences of data leaks, Baidu's efforts to reaffirm its commitment to safeguarding personal information are more relevant than ever. As the company implements its new initiatives, all eyes will be on how effectively it can restore faith among its user base and position itself favorably in a competitive market.
