VPN—
†Freedom of speech, freedom of the pressâ€
2020 national security law NSL
No “great firewallâ€,
Overview
Historically, Hong Kong has enjoyed considerably freer internet access compared to Mainland China. Under the “one country, two systems†framework, Hong Kong was not subject to the same “Great Firewall†that filters and blocks content on the Mainland. However, internet freedom has gradually eroded in recent years, particularly since the enactment of the National Security Law (NSL) in 2020.
Below is an overview of how internet censorship has evolved in Hong Kong and the current landscape.
1. Pre-2020 Landscape: Open Internet
1. No Great Firewall
• Hong Kong has traditionally had unrestricted access to international websites like Google, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter—platforms blocked or heavily censored in Mainland China.
• The local government did not maintain a large-scale filtering system.
2. Legal Protections
• The Basic Law (Hong Kong’s mini-constitution) guaranteed freedom of speech and freedom of the press, forming the basis for an open digital environment.
3. Limited Censorship
• Authorities could still take legal action against online content for reasons such as obscenity, defamation, or incitement to violence.
• Overall, however, Hong Kong was considered a regional hub for free flow of information and a refuge for online activists from around Asia.
2. Post-2020 Changes and the National Security Law
1. National Security Law Enacted (June 2020)
• Enacted by Beijing for Hong Kong, the law targets secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces.
• It grants broad powers to authorities to regulate, censor, or demand takedowns of online content deemed to threaten national security.
2. Increased Content Takedown Requests
• Since 2020, there have been cases where the Hong Kong Police or other agencies request internet service providers (ISPs), tech companies, or social media platforms to remove content or block certain websites.
• Some online platforms and news outlets shut down or preemptively removed certain posts to avoid NSL-related repercussions.
3. Chilling Effect
• Self-censorship has become more common among netizens, journalists, and social media influencers who worry about legal consequences.
• Online discussions around politically sensitive topics (e.g., Hong Kong independence, criticisms of the government) are increasingly guarded or moved to encrypted messaging platforms.
4. Crackdowns on Pro-Democracy Platforms
• Some pro-democracy news outlets and forums (such as Stand News, Apple Daily, or online discussion threads) have faced legal pressure, with arrests of journalists and activists and forced closures.
3. Current Dynamics of Internet Control
1. No Full-Scale Firewall (Yet)
• Unlike Mainland China, Hong Kong does not currently operate a comprehensive internet firewall that blocks major international sites.
• Most global platforms remain accessible in Hong Kong, but there is concern about whether a more expansive firewall could eventually be introduced.
2. Legal Mechanisms vs. Technical Blocking
• Hong Kong authorities rely largely on legal measures (the National Security Law, sedition laws, or judicial orders) to compel service providers or platforms to remove content.
• Technical filtering is still relatively limited, but the legal climate fosters caution among internet users.
3. Cooperation from Tech Companies
• Major tech companies have faced requests for user data or takedown notices from the Hong Kong government.
• Some companies have publicly stated they would evaluate such requests under their global policies, but in practice, compliance levels vary.
4. VPN Use
• Virtual Private Network (VPN) usage has risen as individuals and businesses become more concerned about government surveillance or future site blockages.
• Authorities have not banned VPNs outright, but if the political climate tightens further, restrictions on VPN usage could follow.
4. Future Outlook
• Further Erosion of Freedoms?
• Observers warn that Hong Kong’s relatively open internet environment could face more constraints, especially if the central government extends tighter control mechanisms.
• Legal Ambiguity
• Provisions of the National Security Law are broadly defined, allowing potential expansion of censorship or surveillance.
• Many users and businesses remain unsure about what constitutes a violation, leading to self-censorship.
• International Response
• Diminished freedoms have prompted some international media outlets and regional headquarters to relocate from Hong Kong to places like Singapore or Seoul.
• Potential for Local Legislation
• The Hong Kong government has proposed or considered laws that could expand official powers over online content (e.g., proposed “fake news†regulations), which may further tighten the digital space.
Key Takeaways
1. Distinct from Mainland: Hong Kong’s internet is still more open than in Mainland China; the “Great Firewall†is not fully applied in the SAR.
2. National Security Law Impact: Legal pressures and broad definitions of national security offenses have led to heightened self-censorship and takedown requests.
3. Uncertain Future: While large-scale technical blocking is not yet the norm, increasing legal and political pressures suggest Hong Kong’s online freedoms may continue to shrink.
In summary, Hong Kong retains partial internet autonomy, but censorship through legal and political channels has intensified since 2020. The city does not have a comprehensive firewall on par with Mainland China, yet the climate of fear and uncertainty around national security offenses contributes to a more restricted digital environment than in past decades.