Security Bureau gets in on the act with Douyin short-video account

Yu Wing Chan

The Security Bureau has expanded its social media presence by opening an account on the popular Chinese short video platform Douyin.

In an inaugural video, Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung, who has previous acting experience from his university days, unveiled the bureau's new Douzhan operation aimed at reaching out to people through the platform.

"Desperate times call for desperate measures," says Tang, alongside undersecretary Michael Cheuk Hau-yip and permanent secretary Patrick Li Pak-chuen.

Cheuk said: "To successfully execute the operation, we need a fourth pair of helping hands," prompting Tang to enlist the bureau's bear mascot as the chief commander.

In the promotional video unveiling the eighth social media account, Tang - who played bit parts in movies during his university days - announced the launch of their latest operation, Douzhan to land on the social media platform. The move to Douyin is part of the Security Bureau's broader effort to utilize a wide range of popular channels to disseminate official information as quickly as possible, according to Tang.

In another development, the police have launched a new mobile application, "HKP e-license," which allows Hongkongers to apply for eight types of licenses and permits, including arms, massage establishment licenses, and more.

Previously, these types of licenses could only be applied through the police's online licensing e-service platform, launched in 2022.

However, the mobile app offers several advantages, including downloading and accessing their approved licenses or permits, receiving renewal notifications, and enabling them to access the electronic versions during inspections. Physical paper copies will also be available.

The app is compatible with both iOS and Android devices and can be downloaded through major app stores or by scanning a QR code on the police website.