The top US diplomat in Hong Kong, Gregory May, has expressed concerns over the growing internet censorship in the city. This move is feared to be influenced by China’s restrictive policies, potentially undermining Hong Kong’s global financial status.
What Happened: In an interview with Bloomberg, May, the U.S. Consul General in Hong Kong, warned that the city is showing signs of imposing internet censorship, which could deter American companies and damage its reputation as a global financial center.
May highlighted the government’s efforts to remove the protest song “Glory to Hong Kong” from the internet, as well as the blocking of certain websites, as examples of the increasing censorship. These actions, justified on national security grounds, have raised concerns among Western tech giants operating in the city.
May added, "It is kind of a slippery slope once you start that internet censorship. Where does that end?"
Despite Hong Kong’s efforts to restore its international business appeal, ongoing pandemic-related isolation and a crackdown on political freedoms have strained its reputation.
May, who previously served in mainland Chinese cities, urged the Hong Kong government to reassure businesses of its commitment to free and open internet and business-friendly data controls.
Why It Matters: The escalating internet censorship in Hong Kong raises concerns about the city’s autonomy, a key issue in US-China relations. The situation in Hong Kong has been tense since the introduction of a national security law by China in 2020, which criminalized activities seen as seditious against the national government.
The warnings from the US diplomat come amid ongoing efforts by China to regulate its internet space. In October, China proposed a blacklist of sources that cannot be used for training generative AI models, which includes censored content on the Chinese internet, as part of its efforts to regulate the country’s AI industry.
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