Global tech giants Facebook, Google and Twitter have all warned Hong Kong’s government that they may depart the city-state if the proposed data-protection laws are enacted

In a private letter, the companies say they are concerned that employees could be subject to criminal investigations and charges.

The proposed laws will make tech giants liable for when an individual’s information is shared maliciously without their permission.

Also known as “doxing”, it refers to the act of “revealing people’s personal information such as real name, home address or workplace online” without consent.

The Journal notes that this practice became prevalent when pro-democracy protests broke out in the city in 2019.

Hong Kong’s government has announced the amendments to the legislation in response to doxing being used during protests in the city.

In the letter, the companies say “the only way to avoid these sanctions for technology companies would be to refrain from investing and offering the services in Hong Kong.”

“The amendments will not have any bearing on free speech,” a spokesperson for Hong Kong’s Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data told the Journal, acknowledging that the AIC’s letter had been received.

According to the spokesperson, the city’s government “strongly rebuts any suggestion that the amendments may in any way affect foreign investment in Hong Kong.”