Google and WhatsApp also binned, which is far easier to explain than canning a local hero 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,

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.

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

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

Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung adds that government employees are given ample time to adapt to alternatives Hong Kong's head of civil service has said that a ban on WhatsApp, WeChat and Google Drive on government work computers will not lead to "long-term or severe impact" on operations and that employees are given ample time to adapt to alternatives.

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.