1. Media Platform Positioning
Asia Cover Figure is a premium business figure media platform published by Asia Cover Figure Magazine, managed by Maizi Brand. Our core mission is professional figure reporting, dedicated to documenting and disseminating the stories, thoughts, and influence of Asian business leaders.
2. Legal Basis for Portrait Use
Portraits used on this platform are based on the following legal grounds:
(A) Hong Kong Legal Framework:
(1) Section 61 of the PDPO - "News activity exemption" provides that using personal data for news purposes is exempt from DPP3 (use purpose restriction), to protect press freedom and the public's right to know.
(2) Hong Kong law has no independent "portrait rights" concept; portraits are treated as part of personal data under the PDPO.
(3) "Public interest defense" (Reynolds defence) in defamation law: responsible reporting on matters of public interest enjoys legal protection.
(4) Reference case Face Magazine v PCPD (AAB 5&6/2012): the PCPD confirmed that the standard for media publication of public figures' photographs is "whether it serves the public interest."
(B) Mainland China Legal Framework:
(1) Article 1020(2) of the Civil Code: unavoidable use of a portrait subject's already-public portrait for news reporting constitutes fair use and may be conducted without consent.
(2) Article 1025 of the Civil Code: news reporting and public supervision in the public interest that affects others' reputation does not bear civil liability, except for fabrication, failure to verify, or insulting language.
(3) Article 999 of the Civil Code: those engaging in news reporting and public supervision in the public interest may reasonably use names, portraits, and personal information of civil subjects.
3. Classification of Portrait Sources
Portraits used on this platform are classified into three categories by source, each following different authorization bases:
(A) Interview portraits: photographed by our photography team during interviews, with the subject's consent, used to accompany interview reports;
(B) Public event portraits: from documentary photography or lawful reproduction at public industry events, press conferences, and awards ceremonies, used for news reporting and industry commentary, falling within the fair use scope of Article 1020 of the Civil Code;
(C) Publicly available online portraits: from official releases by subjects' organizations, licensed stock photo libraries, or other public channels, used for industry research and figure introductions, with reasonable review conducted prior to use.
In no case does portrait publication indicate commercial cooperation, endorsement, or special relationship between ACF and subjects.
4. Portrait Usage Principles
ACF adheres to the following principles for portrait use:
(1) No defamation, vandalization, or technological forgery of portraits;
(2) Only uniform cropping for visual layout needs, without altering the subject's original public image;
(3) Textual descriptions are based on public and objective information, without fabricating false credentials or information;
(4) No use of public figures' images for direct commercial marketing such as product sales, paid promotions, or brand endorsements;
(5) Portrait use is limited to report illustrations, industry research, and figure introductions.
5. Public Figure Status of Subjects
All figures documented and compiled by ACF are public figures, including but not limited to:
(1) Founders, CEOs, or senior management of listed companies
(2) Actual controllers of industry-leading enterprises
(3) Business leaders with significant social influence
(4) Entrepreneurs with broad public recognition
These individuals are in the public eye due to their positions and actions. Their business activities and contributions fall within the public interest, and public figures bear a certain duty of tolerance toward public interest reporting.
6. International Practice
Using public figures' portraits for news reporting is standard global journalistic practice. Forbes, Fortune, Tatler Asia, TIME, and other authoritative international business media use public figures' portraits in publications and websites, typically without prior authorization. This practice is protected by press freedom frameworks.
7. Objection Handling Mechanism
We respect everyone's legitimate rights. If a portrait rights holder objects to portrait use on this platform, please contact our editorial department:
Email: [email protected]
Address: Room 1508, 15/F, Block II, Gala Centre, 625 Nathan Road, Mong Kok, Hong Kong
We will complete review within 3 business days. If reasonable grounds are confirmed, we will handle promptly per law, including but not limited to removing content, adding notes, or other appropriate measures. 8. Content Accuracy Commitment
The ACF Editorial Department is committed to fulfilling reasonable verification obligations for all figure reports. Per Article 1026 of the Civil Code, we comprehensively consider source credibility, timeliness, verification capability and cost. Every report undergoes editorial review with clearly marked sources. If factual errors are found, we will correct them promptly with a prominent explanation.