Open Culture Foundation (OCF): Policy Analysis
Safe Spaces conducted an analysis of digital privacy issues in East Asia, focusing on Taiwan, South Korea, and Hong Kong. The goal was to support civil society organizations by identifying key privacy challenges in each jurisdiction and providing evidence-based recommendations to inform their advocacy efforts. The research aimed to examine the distinct political, social, and regulatory factors shaping digital privacy and highlight effective strategies for addressing these challenges.
Our Approach.
We employed a qualitative research approach, conducting online surveys and in-depth interviews with 19 civil society actors, including representatives of civil society organizations, activists, and scholars across the three jurisdictions. In Taiwan and South Korea, we gathered insights into their respective privacy landscapes, while in Hong Kong, we engaged with activist networks to understand the impact of the National Security Law on digital rights. This research provided an in-depth understanding of regional privacy challenges and the strategies adopted by civil society to address them.
Results.
Our research revealed distinct digital privacy concerns across the three jurisdictions, with Taiwan facing challenges related to electronic ID systems and data sharing, South Korea addressing privacy regulatory reforms and COVID-19 contact tracing, and Hong Kong confronting the implications of increased surveillance under the National Security Law. The findings equipped civil society actors with valuable insights and strategies for future advocacy, while underscoring the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing digital privacy rights across East Asia.