Mak Yin-ting, former chairwoman of HKJA, said the new requirements would hinder reporters' ability to do investigative stories. Photo: RTHK
Journalists have criticised a new requirement from the Companies Registry that makes people state why they are searching its online database for information.
The requirement, which took effect on Sunday, makes users select at least one of six options as a reason for their search before allowing them to proceed.
The chairwoman of the Hong Kong Journalists Association, Sham Yee-lan, says none of these options relate to news reporting. She said it violates press freedom as it hinders the work of reporters.
Mak Yin-ting, a former chairwoman of the association, agreed and said it was irresponsible to implement the new measure without consulting the public and seeking approval from the legislature.
http://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1257849-20160502.htm
