Hong Kong defends privacy law after Big Tech raises concerns

But an industry group says technology giants may pull out of the city over fears that they could become liable for user content.

In a letter, the Singapore-based Asia Internet Coalition (AIC) - which counts Facebook, Google, Twitter and Apple amongst its members - said the proposed legislation was too broad.

"The local staff of overseas platforms in Hong Kong are not responsible for the operations of the platforms; neither do they…have access right or control to administer the online platform contents," the AIC said.

"The only way to avoid these sanctions for technology companies would be to refrain from investing and offering their services in Hong Kong, thereby depriving Hong Kong businesses and consumers, whilst also creating new barriers to trade," the letter added.

The letter, which was written on 25 June and made public on Monday, was addressed to Hong Kong's Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data.

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