2 Hong Kong government databases to tighten access rules, triggering warning over threat to press freedom
- Land Registry and Companies Registry to require users to supply more information beginning next month
- Hong Kong Journalists Association warns move will undermine media freedoms
Two Hong Kong government databases will require users to supply more information beginning next month, prompting a warning from the city’s main journalist association that the move will undermine press freedom.
The tighter access to the Land Registry and Companies Registry, announced on Monday, takes effect on November 1 and follows similar steps over the past year to restrict access to information contained in government databases.
“The Hong Kong Journalists Association is deeply disappointed with the new arrangements,” the group said on its Facebook page.
“This is not the first time we have noticed the Companies Registry attempt to restrict access to the database, and the new measures do not ensure the rights of reporters to use it for news related work. We are concerned this change could pose unnecessary legal risks to journalists.”
Previously the Land Registry only required users to input their name and phone number, but under the change they will be required to supply their identification number, declare a purpose for searching the database and confirm they will not use the information in a way that breached the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.