The Importance of Data in Hong Kong
The Hong Kong government has just announced a pilot scheme to allow universities and research institutes to bypass China’s Great Firewall for scientific data exchange. This is a welcome first step towards more integrated GBA cooperation. However, much more work needs to be done for the region to become a truly global player in this space. The agreement also signals an urgent need for new data centre supply. Currently, the majority of Hong Kong’s data centres are owner-occupied or pre-committed to tenants. New stock will be needed to attract mainland operators seeking a location where they can access high-quality bandwidth.
The HK Cloud Connect project aims to bring together local and foreign players in the IT sector to establish a single platform for the secure transfer of data between the mainland and Hong Kong. This is an important step to ensure that Hong Kong can compete with the rest of the world in the rapidly growing market for data processing and storage.
Data is a crucial asset for the economy, but it is also a source of concern about privacy, security, and control. It is vital that the public and private sectors are able to work together to build trust in the use of data while protecting the integrity of personal information.
It is also important for the public to understand how data is collected and used, particularly when it is used to target political messages. Many people are unaware that social media and other online platforms collect detailed information about their habits and activities. This information can then be sold or used for advertising purposes. The public should be aware of how their personal information is used and be able to choose whether or not they want it to be shared.
While the modernisation of data protection laws is mooted, businesses should make sure they understand their obligations under the existing framework. This will help them adhere to any national or international laws that may apply, and reduce the risk of violations that could lead to penalties or compensation claims in different jurisdictions.
A key challenge for policymakers is how to address the nexus between data and crime. There are several ways to do this, including using big data analytics to identify patterns and trends in criminal activity. But it is essential that law enforcement agencies also have the necessary resources and support to deal with this issue.
Scholars across a variety of disciplines have highlighted the duality of data, both as an object of contentious politics and a weapon in repertoires of political struggle. Taking the 2019 Anti-ELAB movement in Hong Kong as a case study, this article explores protesters’ collective and networked program of sousveillance as a tool for contesting power. It also examines the role of ICTs and social media as tools in enabling this form of resistance. In doing so, it highlights the need to develop more holistic and nuanced approaches to data and surveillance.