Facebook Suspends User Data Sharing with Hong Kong Government

Decision to Not Cooperate with Regulations Related to the Implementation of the Hong Kong Security Law

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The American social networking service Facebook and its subsidiary mobile messenger WhatsApp have decided to stop providing user information to the Hong Kong government.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 6th (local time), AFP and other American media reported that Facebook stated in a press release that it would not provide user information of Facebook and WhatsApp to the Hong Kong government and law enforcement agencies even if requested by these institutions.

In the statement, Facebook explained, "This suspension will continue until we complete further evaluation of the Hong Kong National Security Law enacted by China," adding, "This decision was made with sufficient consideration of human rights and discussions with human rights experts."

Facebook emphasized, "We are confident that freedom of expression is a fundamental human right, and we support people's right to express their views without anxiety or fear."

The Hong Kong National Security Law, enacted by the National People's Congress of China and effective from the 1st, Articles 9 and 10 stipulate that 'the Hong Kong government shall take necessary measures for national security regarding schools, social organizations, media, internet, etc., and strengthen propaganda, guidance, supervision, and management activities over them.'

Accordingly, Hong Kong police can demand the deletion of articles or information provided by portals if they judge them to violate the Hong Kong National Security Law, and acts such as spreading rumors on social media can also be punished.