Hong Kong is known for its free and open internet, which sets it apart from mainland China. However, recent reports indicate that telecom firms and ISPs in the city are beginning to block a growing number of websites, with some citing police demands. While the exact number of blocked websites is unclear, a media platform was recently partially blocked in Hong Kong for the first time, marking a concerning trend.
Various laws are being used to justify website blocks in Hong Kong, including the 2020 national security law, which gives the police broad powers to order the removal of online content in the name of national security. Western tech firms have suspended their compliance with data requests under this law, but it is important to note that the law applies globally.
In addition to the national security law, other legislation like Section 161 of the Crimes Ordinance has been used to prosecute computer-related offenses, with individuals facing up to five years in prison if convicted. The lack of transparency around website blocks and the use of vague legal mechanisms raise concerns about internet freedom in Hong Kong.
Several websites have been affected by internet blocks in Hong Kong, with examples like HKChronicles, the Taiwan Transitional Justice Commission, and the 2021 Hong Kong Charter facing restrictions. The blocking of these websites has raised alarms about the erosion of online information flow and freedom of expression in the city.
Despite the censorship efforts, some websites have managed to remain accessible through tools like VPNs, highlighting the limitations of internet censorship. The use of DNS tampering to block websites is considered rudimentary compared to China’s “Great Firewall,” but there is no public list of websites deemed problematic by the authorities.
In response to website blocks, activists like Samuel Bickett and organizations like Hong Kong Democracy Council have faced censorship in Hong Kong. The blocking of these websites has sparked concerns about the future of internet freedom in the city and the potential impact on international businesses operating in Hong Kong.
Overall, the growing list of blocked websites in Hong Kong raises questions about the state of internet freedom in the city and the implications of censorship on access to information and freedom of expression. As authorities continue to restrict online content, the need to safeguard press freedom and uphold democratic values becomes increasingly crucial in Hong Kong.
