May 21, 2026 | Sharing idol videos? Be careful not to break the law!

Sharing idol videos? Be careful not to break the law!

1. Attention all Hong Kong citizens, SME owners, and especially young people who love sharing content online! With the rise of online sharing culture, many people upload their favorite idol videos, music clips, or concert footage to social media platforms to share with others.

2. However, starting from May 1, 2025, the Copyright Ordinance (Chapter 528) has introduced “Communication Rights.” These unauthorized sharing activities could very easily lead to legal trouble. Regardless of whether it’s for free or for a fee, communicating a copyrighted work to the public without the copyright holder’s permission may constitute copyright infringement.

Under the new rules, here’s what you need to know about civil and criminal risks

3. In the past, people might have thought, “As long as I’m not making money, sharing videos is fine.” But things are different now! The newly amended Copyright Ordinance grants copyright owners “Communication Rights.” This means that if you upload copyrighted works (such as videos, music, or photos) to social media, websites, or any online platform without authorization, making them accessible to the public, you may have already committed an act of “communication to the public.”

4. Even if you haven’t received a single cent, copyright holders can still pursue civil liability against you, for example, by claiming compensation for financial losses.

5. More seriously, if the infringement reaches a certain scale—such as intentionally harming the copyright holder’s interests or engaging in frequent, large-scale infringement—Hong Kong Customs may launch an investigation, and the infringer could face criminal prosecution. Upon conviction, not only may you face a fine, but you will also have a criminal record, with the maximum penalty reaching up to four years in prison. The consequences are no joke.

“Not making money” is not a defense

6. Some might ask: “I just think my idol looks great and want to share with fellow fans without charging anyone—how is that illegal?” In fact, when the court considers an infringement, it will examine whether the act has caused economic loss or negative impact to the copyright holder. For example, if you share an entire concert clip, causing viewers to no longer buy official discs or attend live shows, that alone may constitute harm. So don’t use “non-commercial use” as an excuse—the law does not completely exclude “free sharing” from infringement.

Be a smart netizen and avoid breaking the law

7. Whether you are an individual or a business owner, the safest approach before sharing any copyrighted work is to obtain authorization from the copyright holder. Consider using officially provided videos, purchasing legal licenses, or simply sharing a hyperlink rather than uploading or reposting content directly. SMEs should also be especially careful when marketing—don’t just use music or videos found online for promotions, or you risk legal trouble.

8. The purpose of the new law is not to suppress sharing culture, but to protect the hard work of creators. For Hong Kong to develop a creative economy, we need to respect intellectual property rights. To all citizens, especially young people: learn to “pause and think” in the online world. Don’t let momentary convenience lead you into legal trouble and jeopardize your future.