The sad reality is that yes, internet censorship is quickly growing in Hong Kong despite it long being a place of “internet refuge” in China. Considering all the protests and security laws following Hong Kong’s reunification with China, it was bound to happen. So what does this mean for foreigners and should you use a VPN in Hong Kong?
Prior to 1997, the year that Hong Kong was handed back over to China, the small territory was ruled by the British for more than 150 years. Even today, Hong Kong has remnants of English culture and life.
But the democratic foundation that the U.K. laid in Hong Kong, and Hong Kong’s freedom, is slowly being eroded
Now that China has been handed the reigns to Hong Kong, many changes – often behind the scenes and away from public scrutiny – have been taking place.
Is Hong Kong Internet Censored? (short answer)
At the moment, Hong Kong’s internet isn’t heavily censored like it is in China; however, it is heavily monitored. If you’re a traveler or expat, this should be concerning. For this reason, I recommended that you consider a Virtual Private Network (VPN) such as the recommended NordVPN that not only encrypts your internet traffic but also protects you from any future censorship.
Below I’m going to provide a more detailed explanation of what this mean. This includes a discussion of:
- Hong Kong: One Government, Two Systems?
- Understanding Internet Censorship in Hong Kong
- How China’s Big Brother Haunts Hong Kong
Throughout all of this, we’ll explore China’s relationship with Hong Kong. This starts with one key concept: “One Government, Two Systems”.
Note: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means that at no extra cost to you, I may be compensated if you choose to use the services listed.
Hong Kong | One Government, Two Systems
The foundation of Hong Kong’s handover from the U.K. to China was the promise China made to allow Hong Kong to continue as a semi-autonomous region.
This was eventually dubbed “One government, two systems“.
Despite Hong Kong’s relatively small size in relationship to mainland China, for many years it was able to maintain this two-systems type of government.
Confidence in this system has eroded over the past few years, however. Many Hong Kong residents and international observers have watched carefully as China surprisingly allowed for democratic elections…and then only presented China-approved candidates.
Even when the new high-speed train connection between Hong Kong and China opened up, China asserted its dominance by setting up customs on the Hong Kong side, essentially claiming sovereignty over the train station itself.
Then, of course, there’s the new security law that was introduced by China that was everything but a full admission that “one government, two systems” was no longer being honored.
So the question remains: as Hong Kong’s freedom slowly erodes and China gradually asserts its control, how will this affect the internet?
Internet Censorship and National Security Law in Hong Kong
It is fascinating when digital boundaries reflect physical borders.
Here’s what I mean: the moment you cross the border from Hong Kong into China on a train and your phone changes cell towers…the famous Great Firewall of China kicks in.
Fortunately, at least for the time being, the internet isn’t heavily censored in Hong Kong. You can still access Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and all of the other websites that are completely inaccessible in China.
That being said, especially with all the protests that rocked the city starting in the summer of 2019, the idea of internet censorship has been floated by members of the Hong Kong Cabinet. Hong Kong authorities have been actively enforcing the National Security Law, imposing censorship and restricting access to content that contradicts the government narrative. The moment that happens, the free Hong Kong internet we know now will be gone.
The once free and open internet in Hong Kong is now a shadow of its former self, constrained by stringent regulations and pervasive surveillance. The Hong Kong Broadband Network, for instance, blocked access to the HKChronicles website, which was deemed anti-government.
But the truth is, it’s not just censorship that you need to worry about as Hong Kong users face unique digital limitations, akin to those in mainland China.
History of Internet Censorship in Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s internet censorship has a complex and evolving history. Before the handover from the UK to China in 1997, Hong Kong enjoyed a high degree of autonomy and freedom of speech. The internet was largely unregulated, allowing for a free flow of information and ideas. However, this began to change as the political landscape shifted.
In the early 2000s, the rise of social media and online activism caught the attention of the Hong Kong government. While the internet remained relatively free, the government started to take a more active role in monitoring online activity. The 2014 Umbrella Revolution was a turning point, as the internet played a crucial role in mobilizing and organizing protests. In response, the government ramped up its surveillance efforts, employing technologies like facial recognition and blocking certain websites.
The introduction of the National Security Law in 2020 marked a significant escalation in internet censorship. This law granted the Hong Kong government extensive powers to censor online content and surveil citizens. It has been used to target pro-democracy activists, journalists, and politicians, significantly curtailing freedom of speech and assembly. Today, Hong Kong’s internet is heavily monitored, with several anti-government and politically sensitive websites blocked. The once free and open internet in Hong Kong is now a shadow of its former self, constrained by stringent regulations and pervasive surveillance.
National Security Law and Its Implications
The National Security Law, introduced in 2020, is a broad and vaguely worded piece of legislation that grants the Hong Kong government sweeping powers to censor online content and surveil citizens. The law defines national security threats in extremely broad terms, encompassing secession, subversion, and terrorist activities. This broad scope has allowed the government to target a wide range of individuals and groups.
Pro-democracy activists, journalists, and politicians who have spoken out against the government have found themselves in the crosshairs of this law. It has also been used to restrict freedom of speech and assembly, creating a climate of fear and self-censorship. Many citizens are now reluctant to express dissenting views online, knowing that their activities are being closely monitored.
The implications of the National Security Law are profound. It has significantly impacted the media landscape in Hong Kong, with several outlets forced to shut down or self-censor. Civil society organizations have also faced increased surveillance and harassment. The law has fundamentally altered the fabric of Hong Kong’s society, stifling dissent and eroding the freedoms that once defined the region.
It’s Not Just Censorship, It’s Big Brother
The lack of internet censorship in Hong Kong is deceiving. Hong Kong Watch, a U.K.-based NGO, has highlighted cases where their website was blocked, raising concerns about freedom of expression and the operations of foreign organizations in Hong Kong. Make no mistake – China owns Hong Kong.
They are doing everything in their power to retain control of the region while still saving face internationally.
The internet in Hong Kong might not be censored, but it is closely monitored.
As a traveler or an expat in Hong Kong, this means one thing: Whatever you do on the internet, do it with the knowledge that China is watching and recording it.
For some people, this is completely acceptable.
For me, it’s not.
It’s not that I have something to hide. Rather, I don’t want to give what I don’t have to.
For this reason, I use what is known as a Virtual Private Network, or VPN for short. By connecting to a NordVPN server outside of China and encrypting my connection for security, I can access my email, banking and even just Google without the fear that “Big Brother” China is watching over my shoulder.
There are a number of great VPNs for China that I’ve used, and pretty much any of them will do the job. In my experience, however, I’ve had the most reliable service from ExpressVPN.
SIM Card Registration and Surveillance Devices
In March 2022, the Hong Kong government introduced a new regulation requiring all individual user SIM cards to be registered with a legal name, date of birth, and Hong Kong identification card number. Corporate users must provide the name of their company and their business registration certificate number. While the stated purpose of this regulation is to combat deception and criminal activity, it also has significant national security implications.
In addition to SIM card registration, the government has announced plans to install 2,000 new CCTV cameras throughout the city, with the first 615 to be installed by the end of March 2024. These cameras will be located in high-density areas with greater pedestrian flows, and there is a possibility that facial recognition technology will be used. The Privacy Commissioner’s guidelines state that the use of facial recognition technology is not ruled out but must be supported by strong justifications.
The Hong Kong police are also studying the feasibility of equipping the CCTV system with artificial intelligence to enhance criminal detection. While the Privacy Commissioner’s guidelines regulate the implementation of surveillance cameras by law enforcement, there are significant concerns about privacy and the potential for abuse. The use of these surveillance devices represents another step towards a more controlled and monitored society in Hong Kong.
Do I Need a VPN in Hong Kong?
Given the increasing internet censorship and surveillance in Hong Kong, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is highly recommended when accessing the internet. A VPN can encrypt your internet traffic, protecting you from monitoring and censorship. It can also help you bypass geo-restrictions and access blocked websites and online services.
However, not all VPNs are created equal. When choosing a VPN, consider factors such as:
- Server location
- Encryption protocols
- Logging policies;
It’s crucial to select a VPN that is reliable and has a strong track record of protecting user privacy. In my experience, services like NordVPN and ExpressVPN have proven to be effective and trustworthy.
While the use of a VPN in Hong Kong is not illegal, it is subject to certain regulations. The government has warned that using VPNs to bypass censorship and surveillance may be considered a national security threat. Despite this, for individuals who value their online privacy and freedom, a VPN remains an essential tool in navigating the increasingly restrictive online environment in Hong Kong.
Final Thoughts on Internet in Hong Kong 2025
Hong Kong is changing rapidly. What was true yesterday might not be true tomorrow.
Currently, Hong Kong’s internet is mostly open and free. The Hong Kong Free Press has highlighted the impact of the National Security Law on journalistic integrity and media practices. However, there’s a good chance that China has already started to step in and change things. Either way, you need to be aware that the moment you step into Hong Kong, you have given up your digital rights to privacy.
Whatever you do is being monitored.
Your only options are to shrug your shoulders and say “whatever”…or you can try to encrypt your internet traffic with a VPN like NordVPN.
It’s what big corporations use to protect trade secrets and thankfully it’s available to us as consumers as well.
