Concerns Grow Over Censorship in Hong Kong
HONG KONG
In Hong Kong, where last years pro-democracy protests ended in a stalemate with the Beijing-backed government, there are signs of increasing state censorship.
A new report has found that Hong Kong police have requested more web posts to be taken down during the last four months than in the previous four years combined.
That data, plus recently revealed rules regarding Executive Council members interviews with the media, have added to the concerns of democracy activists, who say the citys history of freedom of expression is gradually eroding under Chinese rule.
Darcy Christ, a researcher with the Hong Kong Transparency Report at the University of Hong Kong, has seen an increase in the number of web sites being taken down.
"There is definitely a spike, but like I say, its mostly in the case of take down requests. That's not to discount that, but definitely user requests are one other important issue especially after the occupy protests," said Christ.
Since October, Hong Kong police have made 101 requests to websites and service providers to delete content. That figure compares with 29 requests in the preceding nine months of last year and a total of 65 requests in the previous three years combined. Last year police also made more than 4,000 requests for online user information, such as email and IP addresses.
Lawmaker and Internet entrepreneur Charles Mok has called for greater independent scrutiny and oversight of such police requests.
"My concern is that the police is stepping up and using its power whether or not it is invested in law, but at least they have the execution of power and they seem to be telling these social media sites to take down messages," said Mok.
Last month the PEN American Center, a New York-based writers group, wrote a report warning that Hong Kongs more open media was showing signs of increased self-censorship, and coverage more tailored toward the business interests of their financial backers.
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Concerns Grow Over Censorship in Hong Kong