Hong Kong restricts apps like WhatsApp and WeChat for civil servants
New security guidelines in Hong Kong restrict civil servants from using popular apps on work computers, aiming to prevent malware and data breaches.
The Hong Kong government has banned most civil servants from using widely used apps, including WhatsApp, WeChat, and Google Drive, on work computers to reduce security risks. The Digital Policy Office’s updated IT security guidelines allow government workers to access these services on personal devices at work, and managers can grant exceptions to the ban if required.
Experts in cybersecurity agree with the policy, pointing to similar restrictions in other governments, including the United States and China, amid increasing concerns over data leaks and hacking threats. Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, noted that stricter controls were essential given the growing complexity of cybersecurity challenges.
The ban is intended to minimise potential breaches by preventing malware from bypassing security measures through encrypted messages, according to Francis Fong, the honorary president of the Hong Kong Information Technology Federation. Anthony Lai, director of VX Research Limited, called the decision prudent, citing low cybersecurity awareness among some staff and limited monitoring of internal systems.
Data breaches have previously compromised tens of thousands of Hong Kong citizens’ personal information, raising public concern about government cybersecurity protocols. The updated guidelines aim to address these vulnerabilities while increasing overall data security.