Google to cut data requests from the Hong Kong administration

On Friday, Alphabet Inc.’s (GOOGL.O) Google announced that it would stop accommodating Hong Kong’s data request for its new national security law imposed by the Chinese government.

The United States technology company stopped providing data since June 2020.  

“As always, authorities outside the U.S. may seek data needed for criminal investigations through diplomatic procedures,” Google said in an email.

Facebook Inc (FB.O), Google, and Twitter Inc (TWTR.N) stopped processing government requests for user data in Hong Kong since July 2020.

“We believe freedom of expression is a fundamental human right and support the right of people to express themselves without fear for their safety or other repercussions,” Facebook said in an email.

The Washington Post newspaper reported on Thursday that Google would direct Hong Kong authorities to make data requests through a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) with the United States.