#MassSurveillance
Government Makes #LeaveHomeSafe app Compulsory in Hong Kong Starting from Nov 1; Police Makes Arrests
The Hong Kong SAR Government implemented yet another controversial rule on November 1, 2021, mandating the population to check in with the LeaveHomeSafe tracking app when entering government premises. These locales include libraries, wet markets, courts, and sports facilities.
On the first day of its implementation, the Hong Kong Police arrested at least 5 people in the morning at Immigration Tower in Wan Chai, accusing them of using a fake app.
RTHK reported that the arrestees included two immigration officers, one staff member of the Audit Commission and two contractors.
Although exemptions are given to children, the elderly and disabled people, they are still required to submit their personal details.
Civil Service Secretary #PatrickNip claimed the government will "exercise flexibility"; however, according to InMedia, outside the Tai Po Municipal Complex, many domestic helpers and elderly had difficulties in adapting to the policy. Some had to download the app on the site, while some left for the street market instead.
As the people of Hong Kong expressed concern over the privacy issue of the government-monitored app, many citizens bought a new phone just for installing the app and to prevent personal information from being tracked.
Source: InMedia; RTHK #Nov1
https://bit.ly/3EsNyAq
#FailedState #BigData #Privacy #Obstruction #Elderly #Regime
Government Makes #LeaveHomeSafe app Compulsory in Hong Kong Starting from Nov 1; Police Makes Arrests
The Hong Kong SAR Government implemented yet another controversial rule on November 1, 2021, mandating the population to check in with the LeaveHomeSafe tracking app when entering government premises. These locales include libraries, wet markets, courts, and sports facilities.
On the first day of its implementation, the Hong Kong Police arrested at least 5 people in the morning at Immigration Tower in Wan Chai, accusing them of using a fake app.
RTHK reported that the arrestees included two immigration officers, one staff member of the Audit Commission and two contractors.
Although exemptions are given to children, the elderly and disabled people, they are still required to submit their personal details.
Civil Service Secretary #PatrickNip claimed the government will "exercise flexibility"; however, according to InMedia, outside the Tai Po Municipal Complex, many domestic helpers and elderly had difficulties in adapting to the policy. Some had to download the app on the site, while some left for the street market instead.
As the people of Hong Kong expressed concern over the privacy issue of the government-monitored app, many citizens bought a new phone just for installing the app and to prevent personal information from being tracked.
Source: InMedia; RTHK #Nov1
https://bit.ly/3EsNyAq
#FailedState #BigData #Privacy #Obstruction #Elderly #Regime
獨立媒體
街市排長龍填紙仔 長者批「安心出行」麻煩寧改去街邊買餸 | 獨媒報導 | 獨立媒體
【獨媒報導】市民今日起須強制用「安心出行」應月程式進出政府大樓，包括街市、體育館、圖書館等，12歲以下和65歲或以上人士，及使用有困難的殘疾人士可獲豁免，但須登記個人資料。《獨媒》記者今早到大埔綜合大樓視察，不少長者及外傭未適應新政策，需即場下載程式，或在保安協助下填紙仔；亦有市民「怕麻煩」，寧改到其他地方買餸。有街市商戶指今早人流明顯減少
#PoliceState
Hong Kong Police Targets Pro-democracy Restaurants under the #Pandemic
Several pro-democracy restaurants in Hong Kong have reportedly become the targets of police inspection as soon as the government rolled out mandatory contact-tracing app at the premises on December 9, 2021.
These pro-democracy "yellow" restaurant were ordered by the authorities to halt dinner dine-in services for two weeks after some customers allegedly failed to scan the #LeaveHomeSafe app.
On December 18, 2021, the police and the staff from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (#FEHD) inspected the Kwong Wing Catering branch in Mong Kok. They claimed that one male customer did not scan the, a defecto tracing app, as required by the government.
It was the third Kwong Wing Catering branch to be penalised within a week for similar alleged violations. The inspection was “suspicious,” the eatery wrote on Facebook, saying police arrived less than 20 minutes after the customer concerned sat down.
After reviewing the security footage, Kwong Wing Catering said the male customer came in with another person, who did scan the app. That person then put the device in the man’s backpack while he appeared to be searching for his phone. He eventually presented his companion’s phone to the restaurant staff.
Other affected pro-democracy restaurants included Kabo Burger, Dine Inn, Explorer Fusion Restaurant, Thai Cool, DK Pizza Cafe, WE TIME CAFE, Santgria Kitchen and more.
Source: #FirstHand; #Dec18
#COVID #Discrimination #Planting #Regime
Hong Kong Police Targets Pro-democracy Restaurants under the #Pandemic
Several pro-democracy restaurants in Hong Kong have reportedly become the targets of police inspection as soon as the government rolled out mandatory contact-tracing app at the premises on December 9, 2021.
These pro-democracy "yellow" restaurant were ordered by the authorities to halt dinner dine-in services for two weeks after some customers allegedly failed to scan the #LeaveHomeSafe app.
On December 18, 2021, the police and the staff from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (#FEHD) inspected the Kwong Wing Catering branch in Mong Kok. They claimed that one male customer did not scan the, a defecto tracing app, as required by the government.
It was the third Kwong Wing Catering branch to be penalised within a week for similar alleged violations. The inspection was “suspicious,” the eatery wrote on Facebook, saying police arrived less than 20 minutes after the customer concerned sat down.
After reviewing the security footage, Kwong Wing Catering said the male customer came in with another person, who did scan the app. That person then put the device in the man’s backpack while he appeared to be searching for his phone. He eventually presented his companion’s phone to the restaurant staff.
Other affected pro-democracy restaurants included Kabo Burger, Dine Inn, Explorer Fusion Restaurant, Thai Cool, DK Pizza Cafe, WE TIME CAFE, Santgria Kitchen and more.
Source: #FirstHand; #Dec18
#COVID #Discrimination #Planting #Regime
An executive director of an organisation for the blind said, "Mandatorily using the app "LeaveHomeSafe" for government buildings and other areas seems to punish people with disability".
#LeaveHomeSafe #surveillance #GoHKgraphics
[translator note: the Personal Information Collection Statement of "LeaveHomeSafe" paper version cannot be found from government website (https://www.leavehomesafe.gov.hk/en/personal-information-collection-statement/)]
#LeaveHomeSafe #surveillance #GoHKgraphics
[translator note: the Personal Information Collection Statement of "LeaveHomeSafe" paper version cannot be found from government website (https://www.leavehomesafe.gov.hk/en/personal-information-collection-statement/)]
#FailedState #Covid19
Hong Kong Government Officials and Politicians Reportedly Breach Gathering Ban, Carrie Lam dodges responsibility
#CasparTsui, the Hong Kong SAR Government's Secretary for Home Affairs, was found attending a birthday party with over 100 guests organized by a Hong Kong delegate to PRC’s top legislature. Photos were leaked out showing the attendees without wearing any mask and violating the gathering ban. It was reported that Tsui did not record his whereabouts in the compulsory government-made #LeaveHomeSafe App.
Less than a week ago, following reports of a #CathayPacific aircrew staffer violating quarantine restrictions and prompting a cluster outbreak in the city, Hong Kong's Chief Executive #CarrieLam summoned the chairman and the CEO of the airline to “express strong discontent.”
On January 4, 2022, Lam was recorded saying saying that although senior management may not be aware of their staff member’s actions, it should not be exploited as a “disclaimer” to shirk responsibility.
Sternly Lam told Cathay Pacific,
"you, being the head of an organization, are in similar capacity as me, being the Chief Executive of Hong Kong. I am accountable for every happenings in the city.”
However, Lam changed the saying after the scandal of the government officials broke out on January 2, 2022 Since a guest had contracted COVID, Caspar Tsui and other guests were sent to compulsory Covid-19 quarantine at Penny’s Bay.
This time. when asked if the Chief Executive should take similar responsibility over the case involving the banquet, Carrie Lam apparently bent "accountability" to her own interests, saying that being accountable was not equal to “taking personal responsibility for the personal decision and actions of every colleague.”
Source: Cable News, #Jan6
Hong Kong Government Officials and Politicians Reportedly Breach Gathering Ban, Carrie Lam dodges responsibility
#CasparTsui, the Hong Kong SAR Government's Secretary for Home Affairs, was found attending a birthday party with over 100 guests organized by a Hong Kong delegate to PRC’s top legislature. Photos were leaked out showing the attendees without wearing any mask and violating the gathering ban. It was reported that Tsui did not record his whereabouts in the compulsory government-made #LeaveHomeSafe App.
Less than a week ago, following reports of a #CathayPacific aircrew staffer violating quarantine restrictions and prompting a cluster outbreak in the city, Hong Kong's Chief Executive #CarrieLam summoned the chairman and the CEO of the airline to “express strong discontent.”
On January 4, 2022, Lam was recorded saying saying that although senior management may not be aware of their staff member’s actions, it should not be exploited as a “disclaimer” to shirk responsibility.
Sternly Lam told Cathay Pacific,
"you, being the head of an organization, are in similar capacity as me, being the Chief Executive of Hong Kong. I am accountable for every happenings in the city.”
However, Lam changed the saying after the scandal of the government officials broke out on January 2, 2022 Since a guest had contracted COVID, Caspar Tsui and other guests were sent to compulsory Covid-19 quarantine at Penny’s Bay.
This time. when asked if the Chief Executive should take similar responsibility over the case involving the banquet, Carrie Lam apparently bent "accountability" to her own interests, saying that being accountable was not equal to “taking personal responsibility for the personal decision and actions of every colleague.”
Source: Cable News, #Jan6
Hong Kong Health Code has starts registration on Dec 10, 2021. Yet, it requires personal information as well as the LeaveHomeSafe records.
#HealthCode #LeaveHomeSafe #COVID19 #GoHKgraphics
#HealthCode #LeaveHomeSafe #COVID19 #GoHKgraphics
#Satire #SurveillanceState
Down with the live-with-COVID believers
Above four-panel-cartoon is created by a popular artist in Hong Kong, Ar To. The cartoonist attempts to bring out real intention behind the COVID-control measures purposefully imposed in the city in the face of Omicron outbreak.
Inscriptions from upper right panel:
"So it's come to this ..."
"We've got to live with the vir-"
"..."
"We've got to live with surveillance!"
Hong Kong is reeling under an outbreak of Omicron infections, recording nearly 7,000 cases in a day on February 20, straining hospitals and testing centers to their limits.
An opinion poll taken last month -- at the beginning of the current outbreak -- shows that nearly two-thirds of citizens are receptive of a "live with the virus" approach similar to other countries such as the UK.
The Hong Kong government, however, had taken this outbreak as an opportunity to tighten gathering restrictions, enforce mandatory use of its controversial #LeaveHomeSafe tracking app, and carry out sudden, community-wide lockdowns and mandatory testing that last for days. As China is growing more concerned with Hong Kong's seeming inability to contain the outbreak, Carrie Lam and her government may be hard pressed into enacting more Orwellian surveillance measures in order to satisfy Beijing's demands for "dynamic zero covid" -- whatever that now means.
image source: Ar To
https://www.facebook.com/100044541035098/posts/513031630191534/
See also;
New York Times: Hong Kong Can’t Live With the Virus. It Can’t Stop It, Either.
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/16/world/asia/hong-kong-covid-omicron-wave.html
#Omicron #FailedState #CCP #Authoritarianism
Down with the live-with-COVID believers
Above four-panel-cartoon is created by a popular artist in Hong Kong, Ar To. The cartoonist attempts to bring out real intention behind the COVID-control measures purposefully imposed in the city in the face of Omicron outbreak.
Inscriptions from upper right panel:
"So it's come to this ..."
"We've got to live with the vir-"
"..."
"We've got to live with surveillance!"
Hong Kong is reeling under an outbreak of Omicron infections, recording nearly 7,000 cases in a day on February 20, straining hospitals and testing centers to their limits.
An opinion poll taken last month -- at the beginning of the current outbreak -- shows that nearly two-thirds of citizens are receptive of a "live with the virus" approach similar to other countries such as the UK.
The Hong Kong government, however, had taken this outbreak as an opportunity to tighten gathering restrictions, enforce mandatory use of its controversial #LeaveHomeSafe tracking app, and carry out sudden, community-wide lockdowns and mandatory testing that last for days. As China is growing more concerned with Hong Kong's seeming inability to contain the outbreak, Carrie Lam and her government may be hard pressed into enacting more Orwellian surveillance measures in order to satisfy Beijing's demands for "dynamic zero covid" -- whatever that now means.
image source: Ar To
https://www.facebook.com/100044541035098/posts/513031630191534/
See also;
New York Times: Hong Kong Can’t Live With the Virus. It Can’t Stop It, Either.
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/16/world/asia/hong-kong-covid-omicron-wave.html
#Omicron #FailedState #CCP #Authoritarianism
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After attending a controversial birthday party, Dr Chu Wai Sing, who failed to use the LeaveHomeSafe app, made an astonishing statement on a radio company in their interview.
#DrChuWaiSing #LeaveHomeSafe #CommercialRadio #GoHKgraphics
#DrChuWaiSing #LeaveHomeSafe #CommercialRadio #GoHKgraphics
Two Covid-positive men arrested in Hong Kong for ‘inciting others’ to spread virus on social media
In Hong Kong, two men have been arrested after they allegedly use social media to incite others to spread the Covid-19 virus.
Screenshots shown by the police at the briefing indicated that the 22-year-old allegedly posted a photo of a positive rapid antigen test result to Facebook, along with a caption asking for recommendations of pro-government eateries in Yuen Long.
Other excerpts taken from the popular LIHKG forum showed the user making claims that “there would be a major outbreak in Hong Kong and in the mainland.” The content was partially censored during the police briefing.
The police used the government-developed #LeaveHomeSafe mobile application to track the past location of the men.
Source: Inmediahk; #Mar15
https://bit.ly/3tZOj0o
#Covid19 #WuhanPneumonia #Pandemic #Arrest
In Hong Kong, two men have been arrested after they allegedly use social media to incite others to spread the Covid-19 virus.
Screenshots shown by the police at the briefing indicated that the 22-year-old allegedly posted a photo of a positive rapid antigen test result to Facebook, along with a caption asking for recommendations of pro-government eateries in Yuen Long.
Other excerpts taken from the popular LIHKG forum showed the user making claims that “there would be a major outbreak in Hong Kong and in the mainland.” The content was partially censored during the police briefing.
The police used the government-developed #LeaveHomeSafe mobile application to track the past location of the men.
Source: Inmediahk; #Mar15
https://bit.ly/3tZOj0o
#Covid19 #WuhanPneumonia #Pandemic #Arrest
$90 Million HKD Collected in Anti-Pandemic Fines, Govt Data Shows
In response to the outbreak of #WuhanPneumonia in early 2020, the government enacted a series of social distancing measures, including a #GatheringBan, #MaskMandate, and mandatory use of the "#LeaveHomeSafe" contact tracing app. These regulations are part of the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance, also known as Cap. 599.
From April 1, 2021 to Feb 28, 2022, police had issued 21,613 tickets against more than 1,100 individuals for Cap. 599 violations, collecting $89,980,000HKD in fines for the government.
The number of tickets issued, by regulation, are:
Gathering ban (599G): 13,525 tickets
Mask mandate (599I): 6102 tickets
Business and premises regulation (599F): 1986 tickets
Since the 5th wave of outbreak earlier this year, the number tickets for violating the mask mandate more than doubled, rising from January's 550 to February's 1909.
Source: In-Media HK
https://bit.ly/37enUnZ
Related news: a few instances when 599G and 599I tickets were issued:
Hong Kong Police Ticket 14 Pro-democracy Elderly for violating gathering ban, each fined for HK$5,000
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/27235
Hong Kong Police Accuse Civilians Queueing Up to Enter Courtroom of Breaching the Gathering Ban
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/28952
Carrie Lam Defends Top Officials for Violating Gathering Ban in Extravagant Banquet with Property Developer: "You can't just turn away after seeing abalone"
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/30485
#SocialDistancing #COVID19 #PoliceState
In response to the outbreak of #WuhanPneumonia in early 2020, the government enacted a series of social distancing measures, including a #GatheringBan, #MaskMandate, and mandatory use of the "#LeaveHomeSafe" contact tracing app. These regulations are part of the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance, also known as Cap. 599.
From April 1, 2021 to Feb 28, 2022, police had issued 21,613 tickets against more than 1,100 individuals for Cap. 599 violations, collecting $89,980,000HKD in fines for the government.
The number of tickets issued, by regulation, are:
Gathering ban (599G): 13,525 tickets
Mask mandate (599I): 6102 tickets
Business and premises regulation (599F): 1986 tickets
Since the 5th wave of outbreak earlier this year, the number tickets for violating the mask mandate more than doubled, rising from January's 550 to February's 1909.
Source: In-Media HK
https://bit.ly/37enUnZ
Related news: a few instances when 599G and 599I tickets were issued:
Hong Kong Police Ticket 14 Pro-democracy Elderly for violating gathering ban, each fined for HK$5,000
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/27235
Hong Kong Police Accuse Civilians Queueing Up to Enter Courtroom of Breaching the Gathering Ban
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/28952
Carrie Lam Defends Top Officials for Violating Gathering Ban in Extravagant Banquet with Property Developer: "You can't just turn away after seeing abalone"
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/30485
#SocialDistancing #COVID19 #PoliceState
#SurveillanceState
LeaveHomeSafe app has built-in facial detection module, Hong Kong government admits
#FactWire has discovered a facial detection feature in the source code of the government’s #LeaveHomeSafe mobile app, although it was unable to confirm whether the feature has been activated or if it is currently in use.
In response to FactWire’s inquiry, the government admitted to the existence of a facial detection feature in the application’s source code but claimed that it has never been used.
Read full article
https://www.factwire.org/en/leavehomesafe-app-has-built-in-facial-detection-module-government-admits/
LeaveHomeSafe app has built-in facial detection module, Hong Kong government admits
#FactWire has discovered a facial detection feature in the source code of the government’s #LeaveHomeSafe mobile app, although it was unable to confirm whether the feature has been activated or if it is currently in use.
In response to FactWire’s inquiry, the government admitted to the existence of a facial detection feature in the application’s source code but claimed that it has never been used.
Read full article
https://www.factwire.org/en/leavehomesafe-app-has-built-in-facial-detection-module-government-admits/
FactWire News Agency 傳真社
LeaveHomeSafe app has built-in facial detection module, government admits - FactWire News Agency 傳真社
FactWire has discovered a facial detection feature in the source code of the government’s LeaveHomeSafe mobile app, although it was unable to confirm whether the feature has been activated or if it is currently in use. In response to FactWire’s inquiry, the…
#SurveillanceState
HK Authorities Propose Real Name Registration and #HealthCode System like China's
Hong Kong's Secretary for Heath #LoChungMau said on July 11, 2022 that the government had plans to introduce a three-colour ‘health code’ system in the city, bringing the app in line with China's system.
It would be an additional function to #LeaveHomeSafe, the government's COVID contact-tracing app. Lo mentioned that reference was sought from the health code systems used China. He also claimed that it was important to implement real name registration.
[Editor's note: Since the LeaveHomeSafe app has been made compulsory by the authorities in Hong Kong, many citizens expressed concerns over its privacy issues. The health code system in China has been long regarded as a #MassSurveillance campaign of the #ChineseCommunistParty government.]
Source: InMediaHK.net #Jul11
https://bit.ly/3aqHE9C
see also:
LeaveHomeSafe app has built-in facial detection module, Hong Kong government admits
https://t.me/BeWaterHK/478
Down with the live-with-COVID believers (Satire)
https://t.me/BeWaterHK/148
#PrivacyBreach #Freedom #Authoritarianism
HK Authorities Propose Real Name Registration and #HealthCode System like China's
Hong Kong's Secretary for Heath #LoChungMau said on July 11, 2022 that the government had plans to introduce a three-colour ‘health code’ system in the city, bringing the app in line with China's system.
It would be an additional function to #LeaveHomeSafe, the government's COVID contact-tracing app. Lo mentioned that reference was sought from the health code systems used China. He also claimed that it was important to implement real name registration.
[Editor's note: Since the LeaveHomeSafe app has been made compulsory by the authorities in Hong Kong, many citizens expressed concerns over its privacy issues. The health code system in China has been long regarded as a #MassSurveillance campaign of the #ChineseCommunistParty government.]
Source: InMediaHK.net #Jul11
https://bit.ly/3aqHE9C
see also:
LeaveHomeSafe app has built-in facial detection module, Hong Kong government admits
https://t.me/BeWaterHK/478
Down with the live-with-COVID believers (Satire)
https://t.me/BeWaterHK/148
#PrivacyBreach #Freedom #Authoritarianism
#Report: Security concerns over compulsory app launched by Hong Kong government
This is part of a report published by #TechOpenFund on July 27, 2022. The investigation was conducted by #7ASecurity and #OTFRedTeamLab in 2022:
//...This exercise involved both a privacy audit and a security audit of the #LeaveHomeSafe #Android and #iOS apps.
The privacy audit could not conclusively prove malicious intent or unauthorized tracking of Hong Kong citizens. However, the security audit demonstrated that these applications have not been professionally audited by any competent security firm before, and that significant flaws exist in the current software security development lifecycle.
This is particularly concerning given that the app was originally introduced more than a year and a half ago, was made mandatory in some fashion for 9 months and recently began requesting real name registration and tracking user’s movements.
While no clear privacy violation could be conclusively proven during the audit at runtime, a number of application artifacts, likely inherited from underlying dependencies or simply security vulnerabilities introduced by mistake, were found during this exercise.//
Read the full article:
https://www.opentech.fund/news/7asecurity-otf-red-team-lab-partner-completes-blackbox-pentest-and-privacy-audit-of-leavehomesafe-app/
Source: Open Tech Fund #Jul27
#MassSurveillance #Track #Privacy #App #PoliceState #Pandemic
This is part of a report published by #TechOpenFund on July 27, 2022. The investigation was conducted by #7ASecurity and #OTFRedTeamLab in 2022:
//...This exercise involved both a privacy audit and a security audit of the #LeaveHomeSafe #Android and #iOS apps.
The privacy audit could not conclusively prove malicious intent or unauthorized tracking of Hong Kong citizens. However, the security audit demonstrated that these applications have not been professionally audited by any competent security firm before, and that significant flaws exist in the current software security development lifecycle.
This is particularly concerning given that the app was originally introduced more than a year and a half ago, was made mandatory in some fashion for 9 months and recently began requesting real name registration and tracking user’s movements.
While no clear privacy violation could be conclusively proven during the audit at runtime, a number of application artifacts, likely inherited from underlying dependencies or simply security vulnerabilities introduced by mistake, were found during this exercise.//
Read the full article:
https://www.opentech.fund/news/7asecurity-otf-red-team-lab-partner-completes-blackbox-pentest-and-privacy-audit-of-leavehomesafe-app/
Source: Open Tech Fund #Jul27
#MassSurveillance #Track #Privacy #App #PoliceState #Pandemic