Baidu Vice President Xie Guangjun faced public scrutiny after his 13-year-old daughter was implicated in a doxing incident that has stirred up a storm on social media. The apology came on March 17, 2025, just days after netizens discovered that the girl, who has been identified with the handle "Eyeballs," allegedly disclosed sensitive personal information of others in online disputes, an act that has now raised significant questions regarding accountability and privacy in the digital age.
Doxing refers to the malicious act of revealing personal information—such as names, addresses, phone numbers, and social media profiles—of an individual without their consent, often with the intent to intimidate or incite cyberbullying. In this case, Xie’s daughter reportedly utilized sensitive data believed to come from her father’s professional connections, further complicating the situation.
In what seems like a significant reaction to this behavior, Xie Guangjun publicly expressed his regret on social media, stating, “I feel deeply regretful and sincerely apologize to all the affected friends.” His remonstration highlights the need for greater awareness and parental involvement in the online behaviors of minors. This incident has not only prompted a discussion about legal ramifications but also about the moral obligations of guardians in addressing their children's actions.
Legal experts have spoken out about the implications of minors’ involvement in such cybercrimes. According to lawyer Ma Lihong from Beijing Deheheng Law Firm, “Doxing is the malicious public disclosure of personal privacy information to intimidate others.” This underlines the seriousness of the act and its potential legal repercussions. Xi Wenchao, a lawyer from Hunan Dingying Law Firm, emphasized that parents must bear corresponding legal responsibilities for such actions committed by their children: “Minors committing online violence may face several legal consequences, and their guardians are responsible.”
In terms of the law, the Chinese legal framework has specific sections dedicated to cyberbullying and doxing. As explained by legal experts, the Civil Code clearly states privacy rights, while the Cybersecurity Law prohibits the theft and illegal distribution of personal information. Yet, due to the daughter’s age—only 13 years old—there are limitations on applying these laws directly against her, which raises questions about whether appropriate measures are in place to deter similar future occurrences.
The incident caught immense attention from netizens who expressed a range of emotions from anger to empathy. Many condemned the act of doxing for its clear breach of privacy rights, while others acknowledged the need for better oversight on the part of parents and guardians when it comes to their children’s online actions. Some commented on the urgency of investigating the leaks of such private information, suggesting that systemic issues exist that extend beyond this single incident.
As more individuals connect online, the risks associated with online behavior, especially among young users, have become a pressing concern. Legal frameworks are being strengthened to address violence online and to safeguard individual privacy. Allan Hsu, a researcher focusing on internet safety, noted the increasing necessity for stronger regulatory frameworks and better education for minors about privacy rights. The focus is shifting towards preventing the normalization of such behavior among younger internet users.
In a position statement, Chen Yang, head of Baidu security, clarified that the personal information at the center of this controversy did not originate from any internal Baidu leaks. “The source of the personal information leak in the incident is not Baidu,” he stated, going on to indicate that old social engineering databases are often exploited to expose user data. This response attempts to distance the company from any complicity in the matter, assuring concerned users of their data security.
Calls for better protection measures are louder than ever as incidents like this one keep surfacing. The legal community is urging for immediate action, including the establishment of stricter regulations surrounding doxing and enhanced enforcement against those who participate in such acts. Conversations about the need for vigilance and ethical considerations are more relevant today than ever.
As discussions unfold about responsibilities concerning online privacy, it becomes abundantly clear that this incident serves as a harsh reminder of the fragility of personal security in the internet age. With the influx of online platforms allowing for private information exchanges, safeguarding individual privacy must take precedence to prevent further harm to innocent persons.
The overarching goal remains to foster a safer online community where privacy is respected, and individuals are spared from the plight of cyberbullying. Legal experts continue to outline practical steps for ameliorating the existing conditions, hoping that incidents like these will lead to meaningful changes in legislation, education, and enforcement practices, equipping future generations to navigate the complexities of the online world responsibly.
