Bosco Wong, Vincent Wong, and Yoyo Chen File Complaints at Privacy Commission

Earlier, Face Magazine and Sudden Weekly Magazine took unauthorized, fully nude and half-nude photographs of Bosco Wong (黃宗澤), Vincent Wong (王浩信), and Yoyo Chen (陳自瑤)at their homes. The artists filed complaint letters at the Office of Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) and petitioned for legislation to be established to further protect artists’ privacy. The artists were accompanied by TVB executive, Virginia Lok(樂易玲)and Astrid Chan (陳芷菁), who served as a representative of the Hong Kong Performing Artistes Guild.

Commissioner Chiang acknowledged the receipt of the three artists’ complaints before the media. The artists were photographed at home in situations involving nudity and intimacy between a man and a woman. Based on preliminary assessment, Face Magazine and Sudden Weekly Magazine breached privacy rights. According to regulations, collection of personal data must be legitimate and fair. PCPD will investigate the matter further and if the magazines’ conduct were found to be illegal, an enforcement notice will be issued, requiring the two media organizations to correct [their conduct]. If they do not comply, this may constitute as a criminal offense. Since PCPD did not have the power to fine violators, it recommended that the victims file civil claims.

Bosco Wong stressed that the intent of the meeting today was the emphasis on privacy. “We wanted to take a stand today. As to further legal action, we will decide later. Perhaps it was a small matter that happened to me. However, I am also a citizen and hope that citizens’ privacy can be protected. After speaking with the Commissioner and listening to his explanation, I think that the situation is very optimistic. Of course, we hope to resolve the matter quickly.” Bosco stayed at PCPD for half an hour. Since the publication of his nude photographs, Bosco’s mood appeared to have stabilized. While filming The Fortune Buddies "勁抽福祿壽", Bosco appeared in good spirits and joked with cast members Wong Cho Lam (王祖藍), Fiona Sit (薛凱琪), and Mak Ling Ling (麥玲玲).

Vincent Wong noted that their main interest was not compensatory damages. “I respect freedom of the press, but I would like to defend the privacy rights of artists at home.” Yoyo Chen urged the improvement of the conduct of society, “I think that the trends in society and the media industry are going downhill. This will affect the next generation and I hope this trend will not continue.”

Astrid Chan noted that the artists were accompanied by a lawyer at the PCPD meeting. Astrid revealed the actions the Performing Artistes Guild took after the recent intrusion in artists’ privacy, “We established a group after unauthorized photographs of the artists were taken at their homes. The group leaders include Sammy and myself. We have to report to the President, Eric Tsang (曾志偉). Not only are we interested in what happened to Bosco, Vincent, and Yoyo, we are also concerned about all Hong Kong artists, including Fiona Sit and Anthony Wong’s son photographed earlier in their homes.”

Myolie Wu Declined Attendance

Due to her work schedule, Myolie Wu (胡杏兒) did not join fellow TVB colleagues in filing the complaint at PCPD. TVB Deputy Director of External Affairs, Tsang Sing Ming (曾醒明), explained, “Myolie Wu was only visiting Bosco Wong at his home when the unauthorized photographs were taken. TVB respects her wishes and did not ask her to attend the PCPD meeting.”

Source: On.cc
Translated by: JayneStars