Naked Man Calls Police After Neighbor Photographs Him and Posts Image in Residential Chat Group

A dispute between two residents in eastern China's Shandong province has sparked debate over privacy rights after a woman photographed a naked man inside his own apartment and posted the image in a neighborhood chat group to urge him to close his curtains.

According to Qilu Evening News, the woman said she noticed a male resident in a building opposite hers walking around naked inside his home. She took a photo and shared it in the residential WeChat group, asking him to stop "walking around naked" or draw his curtains to avoid exposing himself to neighbors and children.

The man quickly discovered the post and accused the woman of breaking the law, calling her "legally illiterate" before reporting the incident to the police.

Legal experts say both parties may bear some responsibility, but the woman's actions could constitute a more direct legal violation.

Lawyer Zou Zhibin of Jiangxi Ganjie Law Firm told Southern Daily that people generally have the freedom to engage in private activities inside their own homes without interference. However, he noted that privacy is not unlimited. If someone leaves curtains open and can be clearly seen from outside, the conduct may be considered inappropriate because it is visible to the public.

Still, Zou said the woman's response crossed a legal line. While her intention may have been to remind the neighbor, secretly photographing him and distributing the image to a chat group allegedly infringed upon his privacy and personal dignity.

The woman could face liability on two grounds. Under China's Civil Code, secretly photographing another person's private activities may violate the individual's right to privacy. In addition, sharing the image in a residential group chat with over 100 members could also violate China's Public Security Administration Punishments Law, which prohibits secretly photographing or disseminating another person's private information. Depending on the circumstances, offenders may face fines or administrative detention.