Big tech companies have threatened Facebook, Google and Twitter to leave and permanently stop their activities in Hong Kong, due to changes in privacy law.
The report, published on the specialized technical website Engadget, indicated that the Asia Internet Alliance, which includes Facebook, Google and Twitter, warned that companies would stop their activities in Hong Kong, if the executive authority continued to amend the data protection law, which could hold companies responsible for campaigns. Untargeted ads.
Tech giants worry that employees could face criminal investigations, or even charges, if users share personal information online, even if they do not intend any harm.
In its statement, the coalition said that this law would be a disproportionate and unnecessary response to these companies, and could limit freedom of expression. Instead, the coalition suggested that Hong Kong narrow the scope of violations.
Hong Kong’s privacy commissioner for personal data acknowledged the existence of the letter, but said new measures were needed, which the commissioner insisted the changed laws “would have no impact” on freedom of expression, and would not prevent overseas investment in the HKSAR.
It is expected that the new legal amendments will be approved by the end of the legislative year.