Why Google, Amazon and Facebook parent Meta are ‘warning’ against Hong Kong cyber rules

Google, Amazon, Facebook parent Meta and other tech companies that are members of the Asia Internet Coalition (AIC) are voicing concerns about proposed cyber security regulations in Hong Kong, a report has said. These regulations, which are aimed at safeguarding critical infrastructure from cyberattacks, are seen as granting the government ‘overly broad’ access to private computer systems.
According to a report by Bloomberg, critics argue that the proposed cyber laws give the authorities give powers that could threaten the integrity of service providers.
Meanwhile, the local American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) and Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce have also submitted letters over the proposed legislative framework to a public consultation, the report added.

What are the key concerns of these tech giants

Two of the three groups dubbed the rules “unprecedented” as the rules will allow the government’s ability to connect equipment and install programs on critical infrastructure systems.
“Such unprecedented power directly intervenes in, and could have a significant impact on, a CIO’s operation and could harm the users of the services,” AmCham wrote in an August 1 letter.
Such a move “is likely to have a chilling effect” on tech investment in Hong Kong, it added.

What Hong Kong has to say

Previously, the government said that the legislation is necessary for national security and economic protection. Officials also cited similar laws in other countries like China and Singapore and propose establishing a dedicated commissioner’s office to oversee implementation.
Under the proposed cyber rules, companies will have to secure their computer systems and disclose to the government serious breaches within two hours. Failure to do that will attract fines which may be as high as HK$5 million that will be determined by a court.
The proposed legislation is expected to be submitted to the Legislative Council of the country by the end of 2024.