Google, Facebook, Twitter halt Hong Kong government's data request
Tech giants like Facebook, Twitter and Google have announced to pause the review of Hong Kong government's request for user data as they look more closely at a new national security law China imposed on the region that has curbed political expression.
The law, which took effect last week, criminalizes "secession, subversion, organization and perpetration of terrorist activities, and collusion with a foreign country."
Terrorist acts include arson and damaging public transportation. Those found guilty under the law could face life imprisonment. The unusual move shows that tech companies are still trying to fully understand the law's impact on political expression and its users. Silicon Valley companies routinely receive requests for user data from governments throughout the world, including Hong Kong, as part of criminal investigations.
Hong Kong officials say the law will only target a "small minority," but human rights groups such as Amnesty International have raised concerns that police will use it to crack down on government critics. Hong Kong police have already arrested protesters during pro-democracy marches for allegedly violating the law, a newspaper report says. On Monday, the first person charged under the new law was denied bail by a Hong Kong court. Tong Ying-kit, 23, has been accused of inciting separatism and terrorism after he allegedly carried a sign saying "Liberate Hong Kong" and drove his motorbike into police, as per reports.
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