Hong Kong revellers voice privacy concerns over added CCTVs in Halloween party area
Some diners and workers who plan on partying in Lan Kwai Fong say enhanced police surveillance might dampen mood despite need for added safety
Diners and revellers in Hong Kong have weighed in on the new surveillance cameras in the city’s Lan Kwai Fong nightlife area for crowd control on Halloween, with some voicing concerns that the beefed-up security measures could intrude into their privacy and dampen the festive mood.
Hongkonger Joyce Chan was surprised at several newly installed surveillance cameras in the entertainment hub near her workplace in Central, and said the devices could be an intrusion on residents’ privacy despite the stated purpose of enhancing security during the festival.
“The installation of the surveillance cameras in the area is good for safety, but the devices could intrude on our privacy,” the 40-year-old said.
Chan, who works in administration at an office nearby, also questioned the necessity of the number of cameras added in the area, and doubted whether the devices were needed on normal days, without the huge crowds of festivals such as Halloween and Christmas.
Danica Liu, who plans to go to Lan Kwai Fong for Halloween for the first time on Thursday night, voiced similar concerns.
The 24-year-old, who works in the social service sector, said the cameras raised privacy concerns and could dampen her mood. She called on authorities to strike a better balance between security enhancement and ensuring residents’ privacy.
“I may not have as much fun as I would [without the cameras],” she said. “A balance should be struck between security and privacy.”
