July 08, 2020

Andrew Campbell 

Most recently, China has imposed a controversial security law in Hong Kong. The National Security Law took effect on July 1 and introduced new crimes against pro-democracy activists, such as conspiring with foreigners to provoke hatred of the Chinese government or Hong Kong authorities, with penalties of up to life in prison.

On July 6, Facebook, Google, and Twitter announced they would suspend requests from the Hong Kong government and law enforcement authorities for information on users. These tech giants have expressed their concerns regarding both digital privacy and human rights about the security law imposed on Hong Kong by China.

According to statements from the Hong Kong government, police would be authorized to investigate offenses related to the security law, including the demand for publishing platforms and internet service providers to remove content undermining national security. Service providers who fail to comply with the request to remove such messages or provide assistance to law enforcement would be punished to a maximum fine of US$12,903 ($100,000 Hong Kong dollars) and 6 months in prison.
remove content that authorities believe undermines national security.

However, Facebook and WhatsApp stated they would only comply with information requests from Hong Kong authorities in accordance with their terms of service and only when the requests are conforming to international human rights standards.