Hong Kong will implement new restrictions this month preventing civil servants from using cloud storage and instant messaging platforms like WhatsApp Web, WeChat, and Google Drive on their work computers.

The restrictions, announced in April, were part of the Government Information and Technology Security Policy and Guidelines and come after a series of data breaches in government departments. Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong claimed that the decision was based on data security concerns and cited similar policies from the U.S. and mainland China. He emphasized the HKSAR government’s belief that these apps pose significant security risks, particularly in desktop settings, though mobile phone access will remain unaffected.

Under the new guidelines, civil servants can only access restricted services if there is a so-called “legitimate need,” subject to departmental approval. These measures follow incidents in May when the Fire Services Department reported a potential data breach, shortly after breaches at the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department and the Companies Registry. Additionally, the government plans to hold a mock cyberattack drill in November and is expected to introduce a cybersecurity law addressing critical sectors like energy, finance, and healthcare by year-end.