Chinese tech giants to face cybersecurity reviews for IPOs in Hong Kong, but rules more lenient than foreign listings

  • A draft regulation from the Cyberspace Administration of China clarifies rules for listing in Hong Kong, but keeps them separate from foreign IPOs
  • Tech companies seeking overseas IPOs were forced to reassess options this year under cybersecurity review rules for companies with data on 1 million users

Electronic billboards display stock transactions on Exchange Square, the location of the Hong Kong stock exchange, on September 21. Photo: EPA-EFE

China will impose a cybersecurity review on mainland companies seeking initial public offerings in Hong Kong on national security grounds, according to a draft regulation released on Sunday, adding a new layer of oversight for Chinese tech giants from ByteDance to Didi Chuxing if they choose to sell shares in the city.

The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), the country’s top cybersecurity authority, released the draft regulation titled “Network Data Security Management Regulations” for public consultation through December 13, with the final version being subject to change. The regulation stipulates that “data-processing entities seeking a listing in Hong Kong that will influence or may influence national security” must apply for a cybersecurity check.

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