In December 2015, Hong Kong citizens took to the streets in protest of a controversial bill, dubbed Internet Article 23, that many believed would infringe on internet freedoms and free speech. The protests, which began just before Christmas and continued into the New Year, centered around concerns that the proposed copyright legislation could have far-reaching implications for the online activities of Hong Kong’s netizens.
The Controversy: Freedom vs. Copyright Protection
The bill aimed to update Hong Kong’s copyright laws to address modern-day challenges, particularly those related to online content sharing. While proponents saw the bill as a necessary evolution to combat copyright infringement in the digital age, opponents feared it would threaten their ability to freely share content and express dissent online.
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside Hong Kong’s Legislative Council in December 2015, holding banners that read, “Fight for the freedom of the next generation.” Protesters voiced their concerns that the bill could criminalize ordinary online activities such as sharing links or memes, potentially leading to harsh penalties, including imprisonment.
Diverging Views on the Bill
Proponents of the bill, including the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, argued that the current law did not adequately protect intellectual property. Belinda Lui, a spokesperson for the chamber’s intellectual property issues, emphasized the bill’s necessity to protect businesses carrying American content from internet infringement.
“Local businesses are being harmed because current laws don’t allow us to take action against online infringement,” said Lui, referring to the challenges in enforcing copyright laws in the digital era.
However, opponents pointed out the bill’s broad scope, which could result in unintended legal consequences for everyday internet users. Legal experts like Peter K. Yu, a professor of law and codirector of the Center for Law and Intellectual Property at Texas A&M University, warned that the law was drafted so broadly that it could potentially target routine online activities.
“They drafted the legislation so broadly that it covers most of the activities netizens have been doing,” Yu told the LA Times. “Just saying ‘we’re not going to prosecute you’ doesn’t address the concerns of the netizens.”
The Larger Context: Internet Freedoms in Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s internet landscape has long been more open than mainland China’s, avoiding the restrictions of the “Great Firewall.” However, the introduction of Internet Article 23 raised concerns that Hong Kong could be moving towards stricter controls, following in the footsteps of mainland China’s censorship and surveillance regime.
Hong Kong’s criminal code already allowed authorities to arrest individuals for “obtaining access to a computer with a dishonest intent,” a broad charge that many feared could be misused. This historical context fueled fears that the new copyright legislation could be another step toward limiting freedom of expression online.
Grassroots Efforts and Public Response
The opposition movement gained significant traction among Hong Kong citizens. Activists collected approximately 1 million signatures in opposition to the bill—an impressive number given Hong Kong’s population of 7.3 million. Protesters set up information booths across the city to educate the public about the bill’s potential dangers, and a large demonstration was planned for the New Year.
These protests were reminiscent of the larger pro-democracy movements that had swept Hong Kong in the preceding years, such as the Umbrella Movement of 2014. Although the focus of the 2015 protests was on internet freedoms, it reflected a broader concern over Hong Kong’s future autonomy and the erosion of rights under growing pressure from Beijing.
What Happened Next?
The second reading of Internet Article 23 was scheduled for January 6, 2016, amid ongoing protests. While the bill faced significant opposition, it also had strong support from corporate and government stakeholders who saw it as a necessary modernization of copyright laws.
The Current State of Internet Freedom in Hong Kong
Looking back from 2024, Hong Kong’s internet freedoms have continued to erode, particularly in the wake of the National Security Law imposed by Beijing in 2020. The sweeping legislation has significantly curtailed free speech and online expression, as authorities have used it to crack down on dissent both online and offline.
The controversial copyright bill from 2015 was a precursor to the more aggressive restrictions that would come later. Although the bill itself did not lead to immediate widespread censorship, it signaled a shift towards stricter control over internet activities in Hong Kong.
Today, Hong Kong faces an internet environment much more aligned with the restrictive policies of mainland China. The city’s citizens continue to grapple with the consequences of this tightening grip on digital freedom, highlighting the long-term impact of legislative efforts like Internet Article 23.
Despite these challenges, Hong Kong’s activists remain resilient. They continue to advocate for digital rights and free speech, even as the political and legal environment grows increasingly hostile.
The protests against Internet Article 23 in late 2015 were a critical moment in Hong Kong’s ongoing struggle for freedom of expression. While the bill sparked a heated debate over the balance between copyright enforcement and personal freedoms, it also foreshadowed the broader clampdown on civil liberties that Hong Kong would face in the years to come.
As the situation in Hong Kong continues to evolve, the fight for internet freedom remains a central issue, symbolizing the broader battle for democracy and autonomy in the region.
Featured image by Midjourney and Jonas Borchgrevink.