National security law: Microsoft and Zoom join pause on Hong Kong data requests
- Other major internet firms, including Facebook, Google and Twitter, have also stopped considering government requests for user information
- Companies say they are reviewing sweeping new law passed by Beijing
Microsoft and Zoom on Tuesday joined other major internet firms that have stopped considering requests by Hong Kong’s government for information on users in the wake of China’s imposition of a sweeping new security law.
Microsoft and Zoom said they are pausing consideration of data requests by officials or police in Hong Kong, a precaution also taken by Facebook, Google and Twitter.
“As we would with any new legislation, we are reviewing the new law to understand its implications,” Microsoft said in response to an Agence France-Presse inquiry.
“In the past, we’ve typically received only a relatively small number of requests from Hong Kong authorities, but we are pausing our responses to these requests as we conduct our review.”
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Zoom, a videoconferencing platform that has boomed during the pandemic, said it is monitoring developments in Hong Kong and looking for guidance from the US government.
“Zoom supports the free and open exchange of thoughts and ideas,” the company said.
