Hong Kong Bans WeChat and WhatsApp on Government Computers Over Security Concerns

The new guidelines aim to mitigate cyber risks by restricting popular messaging and cloud services on official devices.

Hong Kong's Digital Policy Office has issued a ban on the use of WeChat, WhatsApp, and Google Drive on government computers, citing security threats.
The restrictions, effective at the end of October, follow similar cybersecurity measures adopted by the US and China.
Civil servants can still use these services on personal devices, with potential exceptions granted by department heads for work-related tasks.
Experts support the move, noting Hong Kong's weaker cyber-risk surveillance and recent data breaches affecting thousands of citizens.
The government is considering a new cybersecurity law to further protect critical infrastructure by the end of the year.