Yahoo could face penalty over the jailing of a Chinese journalist. Yahoo could face a fine or a lawsuit, or both, if found guilty of illegally divulging personal data to jail a Chinese journalist.


Yahoo could face penalty over the jailing of a Chinese journalist, Shi Tao. Yahoo could face a fine or a lawsuit, or both, if found guilty of illegally divulging personal data to jail a Chinese journalist.

Albert Ho, a Hong Kong legislator, has filed a complaint with the government on behalf of Shi Tao. According to Albert Ho, a Hong Kong company does not have to comply with a Chinese government’s request for information. They have requested the Hong Kong Office of the Privacy Commissioner to investigate the issue.

Shi Tao was convicted of revealing state secrets through partly through email. Yahoo handed over the email to the Chinese government. The email contained a government warning that commissars should watch out for dissident activity with the 15th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre.

Shirley Lung, spokesperson for the Privacy Commission, said: “We are still looking into the facts to decide if we will carry out a formal investigation.” [Source]

According to Shirley Lung, the Privacy Commission is required to respond to the complaint within 45 days.

Mary Osako, a spokeswoman for Yahoo, said: “Yahoo Hong Kong was not involved in any way in the disclosure of information in Mr. Tao’s case.” [Source]

According to Mary Osako’s statement, Yahoo China that complied to the government’s order.

 

 

 

 

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