Facebook, WhatsApp to suspend user information requests from Hong Kong authorities
- The pause will take place ‘pending further assessment’ of a new national security law, Facebook says
- Since the law was passed, some Hongkongers have been scrubbing their social media accounts and deleting chat histories
“We believe freedom of expression is a fundamental human right and support the right of people to express themselves without fear for their safety or other repercussions,” the spokesman said.
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What you should know about China's new national security law for Hong Kong
China last week enacted the sweeping security law for the restive city of about 7.5 million people, banning acts of subversion, secession, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces.
The legislation, which has sent a wave of fear through the city, aims to stop and punish acts of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces, with offenders facing up to life imprisonment.
Digital rights group ProPrivacy called Facebook’s move “a win for both digital privacy and human rights in the region”.
“With the stakes so high, and the punishments so severe, it is great news to see big tech companies like WhatsApp pushing back in favour of democracy and freedom of expression,” the group said.
