Data hk is a key reason why Hong Kong is one of the world’s leading global data centre hubs. Our free flow of information, lack of censorship and high level security protections support our key pillar industries – financial services & insurance, trading & logistics and technology (especially ICT). Data centres are also needed to support the rapid growth in high frequency stock trading and e-commerce as well as the demand for cloud computing.
Data Protection and Privacy is regulated by the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (“PDPO”) which came into force in 1996. It provides data subjects with their rights and imposes specific obligations on data controllers in terms of collection, processing, holding, use, and disclosure of personal data. The PDPO is based on six principles which are designed to protect personal data. Amendments to the PDPO were made in 2012 and 2021.
The PDPO applies to personal data collected or processed in Hong Kong, regardless of whether it is stored in the territory or abroad. However, there are some exceptions. For example, the PDPO allows for the collection and use of personal data for the purpose of safeguarding Hong Kong’s national security, defence and international relations; crime prevention or detection; assessment or collection of any tax or duty; prevention, preclusion or remedying unlawful or seriously improper conduct, news activities or dishonesty or malpractice by persons; or in connection with legal proceedings.
SmarTone offers various packages for roaming in Mainland China and Macau. The HK$ 98 starter includes unlimited data use in Mainland China and Macau and no speed throttling, but data usage outside Hong Kong will be deducted at local rates and is charged to the package balance. A day for a SmarTone package always counts until midnight in local time. The HK$ 88 add-on includes unlimited data in Hong Kong and Mainland China and no speed throttling, but is throttled to 384kbps when used in Macau and capped at 3.8 GB for the remainder of the add-on period. Tethering is not allowed with either plan.
All SmarTone plans require a SIM card and the activation can be done online, by calling 179179 or using vouchers available in csl. shops, 7-Eleven, 1O1O, Van Go and Circle K kiosks. They sell a 365-day Mainland China SIM for HK$ 338 which has 8 GB of roaming in Mainland China and Hong Kong.