Policy Address 2023: Hong Kong to pass Article 23 in 2024, cybersecurity law to follow

In his second Policy Address, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu announced the legislation of Article 23 – Hong Kong’s own national security law – in 2024, as the city’s leader doubled down on the importance of national security, as well as cybersecurity.

Article 23 of the Basic Law, the city's mini-constitution, stipulates that Hong Kong shall enact its own laws to prohibit acts endangering national security, such as treason and foreign interference. Meanwhile, the National Security Law imposed by Beijing also obliged the Hong Kong government to complete the legislation and refine relevant laws as soon as possible.

Lee stressed that his administration is making every effort to fulfill that obligation within 2024.

Also expected in 2024 is the tabling of a cybersecurity bill to the Legislative Council.

Citing increasing global cyber attacks, Lee said that the legislation is expected to focus on improving critical infrastructure of cybersecurity, in sectors such as energy, communications, transport and finance.