Hong Kong’s government has updated infosec guidelines to restrict the use of Chinese messaging app WeChat, alongside Meta and Google products like WhatsApp and Google Drive, on computers it operates.

Welcome to Computing's weekly roundup of tech news in Asia. This time we look at Hong Kong cracking down on data sharing, a billionaire face-off in India and the potential for nuclear power in Taiwan. Apple CEO Tim Cook has travelled to China, supposedly linked to the launch of its new Apple Intelligence system in the country. Source

The Hong Kong government is barring most civil servants from using popular apps like WhatsApp, WeChat and Google Drive on their work computers due to potential security risks.

Hong Kong has taken a more aggressive approach to protect the government from cyberattacks than some Western countries, experts have said, attributing new restrictions on using desktop instant messaging platforms to a weaker cyber-risk surveillance system and intensifying geopolitical tensions.

Lai, who used to work for a Japanese bank in Hong Kong, said such measures had been in place in the banking industry for more than a decade. "For messaging apps like WhatsApp and WeChat, accounts can be stolen easily, and if you discuss official business ...

Ban mirrors regulations in US, mainland China "Desktops used internally in the government cannot have instant messaging services such as WhatsApp or WeChat, as they carry severe i

Desktops used internally in the government cannot have instant messaging services such as WhatsApp or WeChat, as they carry severe internet safety risks,’ minister says.

Information technology experts said companies have adopted similar policies due to increasing risks of data leaks and cybersecurity challenges

Due to potential security dangers, the Hong Kong government has barred most civil servants from using popular apps such as WhatsApp, WeChat, and Google Drive on their work computers. Many federal servants are protesting about the Digital Policy Office's latest IT security requirements,

The Hong Kong government is barring most civil servants from using popular apps like WhatsApp, WeChat and Google Drive on their work computers due to potential security risks. The latest IT security guidelines from the Digitial Policy Office have many civil servants complaining about added inconvenience.

New restrictions barring the use of cloud storage and instant messaging services including WhatsApp Web, WeChat, and Google Drive on Hong Kong civil servants’ work computers will take effect by the end of October.