Hong Kong Reviews Telegram Ban... Strengthening Internet Control?

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] Hong Kong authorities are reportedly considering blocking the messenger app 'Telegram,' known for its strong security features, according to local media Sing Tao Daily on the 17th.

According to the report, Hong Kong officials are considering restricting citizens' access to the Telegram app to prevent so-called doxxing, which exposes personal information online without consent.

If the blocking measure is implemented, it is expected that China's National Security Law, enacted in 2020, will exert greater influence in Hong Kong. Telegram is especially known as the messenger primarily used by protesters during the 2019 Hong Kong pro-democracy demonstrations, raising concerns that citizens' freedoms may be infringed upon, Sing Tao Daily reported.

This discussion has drawn particular attention as it began shortly after John Lee, who is pro-China, was elected on the 8th as the Chief Executive to succeed Carrie Lam.

Bloomberg News, citing Sing Tao Daily, expressed concerns that China’s Great Firewall, which blocks its citizens’ access to major social networking services (SNS) channels, could extend to Hong Kong as well.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.