Facebook, WhatsApp suspending consumer info requests from Hong Kong government

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Facebook and its messaging program WhatsApp said Mon they are actually suspending requests from the Hong Kong authorities and police authorities for facts on users.

The pause will need place "pending further assessment" of a new national security regulation imposed on Hong Kong by China, and would include "formal individual rights homework and consultations with human rights experts", a Facebook company spokesman said in a statement.

"We believe freedom of expression is normally a fundamental human proper and support the right of people expressing themselves without fear because of their safety or additional repercussions," the spokesman explained.

China last week enacted the sweeping protection law for the restive metropolis of around 7.5 million people, banning works of subversion, secession, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces.

The legislation, which includes sent a wave of fear through the territory, has criminalised dissenting opinions such as for example calls for independence or autonomy.

Digital rights group ProPrivacy called Facebook's approach "a get for both digital privacy and individual rights in your community."

"With the stakes as a result high, and the punishments so severe, it really is great news to check out big tech corporations like WhatsApp pushing back in favor of democracy and freedom of expression," the group explained.

However it noted the maneuver could cause WhatsApp being blocked in Hong Kong since it has been around mainland China.
Source: https://japantoday.com

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