Facebook and Twitter Suspend Global SNS User Data Provision for Hong Kong

Suspension Amid Backlash Against Freedom of Expression Suppression
Hong Kong Sees Surge in Virtual Private Network (VPN) Downloads

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] Global SNS (social networks) such as Facebook, Google, and Twitter have opposed the Hong Kong National Security Law and stopped providing user information.

According to reports from AFP and others, Facebook issued a statement on the 6th (local time) saying that even if there is a request from the Hong Kong government and law enforcement agencies, it will not provide user information of Facebook and its subsidiary mobile messenger WhatsApp to these agencies.

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

Google and Twitter also announced that they have suspended the review process for requests for information from the Hong Kong government immediately after the Hong Kong Security Law was enacted. The mobile messenger Telegram also stated in a statement on the same day that it has no plans to provide any user-related information to the Hong Kong government. These global SNS platforms are inaccessible in mainland China but can be used without restrictions in Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong Security Law, which came into effect on the 1st, prohibits and punishes collusion with foreign forces, national division, subversion of state power, terrorism acts, and includes provisions to establish agencies within Hong Kong to enforce these measures.

In particular, Articles 9 and 10 of the Hong Kong Security Law stipulate that "the Hong Kong government must take necessary measures regarding schools, social organizations, the media, and the internet for national security, and strengthen propaganda, guidance, supervision, and management activities over them."

The Hong Kong South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that the law of mainland China has been applied to Hong Kong, where 7.5 million people reside. SCMP also added that VPN (Virtual Private Network) downloads surged after the enforcement of the Hong Kong Security Law.