Advertisement
Hong Kong government plan to restrict access to company heads’ personal data will shield lawbreakers, critics say
- It will be harder to check on unscrupulous bosses and those involved in shady deals, critics warn
- Changes prompted by increasing complaints about doxxing, personal data abuse and privacy concerns
Reading Time:5 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
8
A government proposal to restrict public access to the personal information of company directors has sparked concerns that it could lead to unscrupulous individuals getting away with illegal activities such as money laundering, fraud and debt evasion.
Urging a rethink, many groups warned the changes threatened to undermine public scrutiny, press freedom and the chances of holding potential wrongdoers to account.
In the Legislative Council last month, the government proposed restricting access to the home addresses and Hong Kong identity card (HKID) numbers of company directors and officers listed in the Companies Registry.
Advertisement
Officials said this was prompted by an increasing number of doxxing cases and personal data abuse, and rising privacy concerns. Doxxing, the malicious publicising of personal information, was a problem during the 2019 social unrest, with police officers and their families the prime targets.
01:59
RTHK journalist convicted over public records search for Yuen Long mob attack documentary
RTHK journalist convicted over public records search for Yuen Long mob attack documentary
Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said the changes were needed to prevent the “weaponisation” of personal data, as well as the spread of false information and hate speech online.
Advertisement
She dismissed the need to exempt reporters, saying she could not “see the reason for journalists to have that privilege”.
Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2x faster
1.25x
250 WPM
Slow
Average
Fast
1.25x