US firms wary of HK's proposed cyber regulations

Critics say unprecedented’ rules could threaten integrity of service providers

US firms have warned that proposed cyber regulations could grant the Hong Kong government unusual access to their computer systems, highlighting the latest challenge to Western tech giants in the city.

The Asia Internet Coalition, which includes Amazon.​com, Alphabet's Google and Facebook owner Meta Platforms, is among the bodies that have in recent weeks criticised new rules that officials say are designed to protect critical infrastructure from cyber attacks.

Critics argue that the proposals give the authorities overly broad powers that could threaten the integrity of service providers and rock confidence in the city's digital economy.

The local American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) and Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce have also submitted letters over the proposed legislative framework to a public consultation.

Two of the three groups flagged the rules which would also apply to computer systems outside Hong Kong as "unprecedented".

A key objection was to proposed investigative powers that would let the authorities connect their equipment to critical computer systems owned by private firms and install programs on them.