VPN Downloads Surge in Response to Hong Kong Security Law

Privacy advocates warn of more internet controls from Beijing
Proposed law from China would bypass Hong Kong legislature

Tanya Chan (C) of the Civic Party and other pro-democracy lawmakers gather outside the entrance of the Legislative Council for a press conference in Hong Kong late on May 21, 2020. - China's parliament said on May 21 it will discuss a proposal for a national security law in Hong Kong at its annual session, in a move likely to stoke unrest in the financial hub. (Photo by Anthony WALLACE / AFP) (Photo by ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP via Getty Images)Photographer: ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP

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By Shelly Banjo

May 22, 2020 at 12:19 AM UTC

Updated on

May 22, 2020 at 5:10 AM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

Hong Kong saw a spike in downloads of software designed to mask internet usage Thursday after Beijing signaled plans to usher in a new national security law that could tighten its grip on the city.

Virtual Private Networks, the tools that help people bypass web restrictions and disguise their digital footprints, represented seven of the 10 most-downloaded apps in Apple Inc.’s Hong Kong app store, excluding games, on Thursday, according to data provider Sensor Tower. There weren’t any on the list in the preceding days.