Twitter, Facebook, and Google threatened the country; Know the reason
Twitter has been facing legal action for non-compliance with India's new rules for social media. While the controversy is fresh, social networking sites Facebook, Twitter, and Google have alerted the Hong Kong government. These social networking sites have threatened to leave the country if Hong Kong authorities make planned changes to the data protection law. The law could make relevant social networking sites responsible for the malicious sharing of individuals' online information. There are signs that social networking sites are now playing a match against the government in Hong Kong as well. (Twitter, Facebook and Google threatened the country; Know the reason)
According to The Wall Street Journal, the letter, sent by an industry group that includes Internet companies, said the companies were concerned about legal issues. Rules designed to address docking to their employees can lead to criminal investigations or users of companies posting online. This can put companies at risk. The report says that docking is a reference to the practice of keeping people's personal information online.
Proposal to amend the Data Protection Act
The Bureau of Hong Kong's Constitutional and Mainland Territories Department proposed an amendment to the city's data protection law in May, saying it needed to combat docking. Docking is a practice that became prevalent during the 2019 agitation in the city. The proposal calls for up to HK 10 1 million, up to 128 128,800, and up to five years in prison.
The only way for technology companies to protect themselves from restrictions is to invest in Hong Kong and refrain from providing services, according to a June 25 letter from the Singapore-based Asia Internet Alliance. Tensions have risen between some of the most powerful companies in the US and Hong Kong officials. Because Beijing is increasing its control over the city.
The law could come into force later this year
Hong Kong's Privacy Commission for Personal Data has accepted a letter from the Singapore-based Asia Internet Alliance. But the commissioner noted that new legislation needs to be enacted because docking exceeds the limits of ethics and law. The commissioner also said that the change in the law would not affect freedom of expression. Hong Kong will not stop foreign investment. Changes to the law could be approved later this year. (Facebook, Twitter, and Google threatened the country; Know the reason)