Hong Kong ombudsman launches investigation after government’s online record management sparks public complaints
- Frequent amendments, removal of content from platforms are among reasons for public dissatisfaction, Ombudsman Winnie Chiu says
- Archiving projects launched for government websites in 2018, 2022 are still in early stages, watchdog’s preliminary inquiry reveals
Hong Kong’s ombudsman has opened an investigation into the government’s handling of online records following complaints, as the watchdog raised concerns over frequent changes or removal of content from websites and social media accounts run by authorities.
“Complaints received by the office in recent years show that information made available to the public via government websites or social media at different points in time may continue to be a source of concern or discontent,” Ombudsman Winnie Chiu Wai-yin said on Tuesday.
She added records were valuable resources enabling the government to learn from experience, make evidence-based decisions and meet operational and regulatory requirements.
“I have decided to launch a direct investigation into the GRS [Government Records Service] to examine the management of records on government websites and social media accounts,” Chiu said.
According to the ombudsman, more than 80 government websites have been set up by different bureaus and departments, 70 per cent of which have created accounts on both Western and Chinese social media platforms.