Hong Kong considers blocking Telegram, local paper says

Telegram channels are still widely used to help residents stay up-to-date on court cases involving pro-democracy activists, a means for 2019 anti-government protest supporters to stay connected amid a crackdown on dissent by the authorities. — AFP

Hong Kong authorities are deliberating whether to curtail public access to the messaging service Telegram, the Sing Tao Daily reported, potentially reviving fears the former British colony is moving closer toward Beijing-style internet controls.

The Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data is considering invoking regulations for the first time to restrict access to a platform it found to be rampant with doxxing, the local newspaper reported on May 17. The widespread doxxing – or online exposure of sensitive and personal data – was aimed at government officials as well as citizens, the newspaper said, citing unidentified people.