The Hong Kong government has initiated a rigorous investigation following the unauthorized release of personal voter information onto a social media platform. This serious breach occurred just weeks before the upcoming Legislative Council election, prompting swift condemnation from authorities.
Immediate Action by Authorities
Upon discovering the incident on Friday, the Registration and Electoral Office immediately escalated the matter to a law enforcement agency, which is now conducting an in-depth inquiry. A government spokesperson emphatically stated that such illicit actions would not be tolerated, labeling any attempt to disrupt or interfere with an election as a grave offense. The government underscored its commitment to taking severe law enforcement action against those responsible, although specific details regarding the affected voters were not disclosed.
Privacy Commissioner Joins Probe
In a parallel move, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data has also launched its own investigation. This office promptly contacted the social media platform involved, demanding the immediate removal of the sensitive voter data. The platform has since confirmed its compliance, assuring authorities that the content has been successfully taken down.
The incident highlights growing concerns over election security and personal data privacy in the digital age, with the Hong Kong government making it clear that the integrity of its electoral processes and the protection of its citizens' data are paramount.