TikTok to Exit the Hong Kong Market
Chinese video-sharing app TikTok announced on Tuesday that it would exit the Hong Kong market within days. This is as major tech groups around the world have a tough time figuring out how to continue conducting business in the city under the new security legislation implemented by China.
The move is notable since the social media platform is owned by Chinese firm ByteDance Ltd. Although they did launch it only for users outside mainland China. This plan was part of the parent company’s strategy to expand its global audience.
The withdrawal of the short-form video app means Hong Kong users, like those in mainland China, will now have no access to the global version.
The announcement came after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo confirmed on Monday that the administration was looking at a potential ban of TikTok in the US.
A source familiar with the decision of the Chinese platform to pull out from Hong Kong said the city was a small loss-making market for the group.
Asked about the firm’s plan to leave Hong Kong, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian stated that the business environment would improve after the law was established.
US Internet Giants Halt Review of Hong Kong Data Requests
US internet giants, including Facebook Inc. Microsoft Corp., Google Inc., Twitter, and Zoom Video Communications Inc. have all announced plans to put the processing of requests for user data from Hong Kong authorities on hold while they examine the new law.
US companies’ social media platforms are under bans in China. China’s internet censorship system, the great firewall, has banned their access.
Most platforms have operated without restrictions in Hong Kong. However, they will now need to figure out how to follow the new measures for the city. Rights groups said these measures threaten the freedom enjoyed for decades.
Facebook, which also owns WhatsApp and Instagram, stated on Monday that it was suspending reviews of user data requests for all services, pending further assessment of the National Security Law.
Google and Twitter said they paused their reviews for data requests from certain sources. Specifically, from Hong Kong law-enforcement agencies after China enforced the measure last week. Zoom and Microsoft’s LinkedIn has released similar statements on Tuesday.
As for Apple, the iPhone-maker said it does not receive requests for user content straight from Hong Kong. The city’s authorities need to submit their requests through the US Department of Justice under a legal assistance treaty.
The California-based company said they were assessing the new law. They have not yet received any content requests since the law went into effect.
Ultimately, time and facts will tell that this law will not undermine human rights and freedoms. This is what Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam said on Tuesday. Specifically in response to a question on the tech giants’ decisions to postpone processing requests for user data.
