Consultation on cyber security legislation to start in late 2022: Chris Tang

Public consultation on defining the cyber security obligations of critical infrastructure operators through legislation will begin by the end of this year, said Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung. 

The security chief's remarks came after lawmaker Eunice Yung Hoi-yan asked if the government has any plan to regulate cyberbullying and prevent youngsters from accessing harmful online content. 

Speaking in the Legislative Council on Wednesday, Tang said the Hong Kong Law Reform Commission is now conducting relevant research on computer and cybercrimes. 

The commission is also revising existing laws and studying similar laws targeting cybercrimes from other jurisdictions, Tang added. 

He noted that cyber security involves different areas, like computer crimes, information safety, and false and inappropriate content. 

Tang continued that the government will closely monitor the commission's research progress and recommendations. 

The security chief stressed that although Hong Kong does not have articles designed for the criminal lawsuit of cyberbullying, most anti-crime articles in real life can also apply to the virtual world. 

Any bullying behavior, wherever it occurs, will be regulated by relevant laws if it involves a criminal offense, he also said.