The freedom of the press in Hong Kong has been diminishing as a result of the new national security laws in place among other factors.
Security Laws Tighten Grip on Media
The national security law, which was enacted in the year 2020, provides broad offenses like secession, subversion, and collusive acts with foreign parties.
Examples are inciting hatred for the government and/or seeking sanctions from foreign countries. The punishment may extend to a maximum jail term of life imprisonment.
The journalists are at higher risk of lawsuits. Many of them are known to carry out extensive reviews of their stories to avoid any violations of rules and restrictions in place.
Headlines or analysis are adjusted or deleted by editors in order to avoid consequences such as lawsuits.
Self-Censorship Rises in Newsrooms
Self-censoring has become a norm. According to a survey in 2024, 65 percent of the population feel that the media engages in this practice.
Self-censoring is evident in how the media handles issues of protests, governance, and connection with Beijing.
This is due to a lack of clarity on any boundaries. The media does not report on issues that may attract attention.
This prevents multiple perspectives from being presented.
The Hong Kong Journalists Association has observed harassment of its members. Threats and doxxing are some of the factors that increase the pressure.
Key Outlets Close, Journalists Leave
Several independent media outlets have shut down. Apple Daily ceased operations in 2021 following police raids and asset freezes. Stand News shut down in the same year.
The editors of Stand News were convicted of sedition in 2024. Chung Pui-kuen was handed a 21-month prison term. Patrick Lam had his 11-month sentence suspended.
More than 900 journalism jobs have been lost since 2020. Many journalists have moved away from Hong Kong. Exiled journalists are working, for example, in Taiwan and the United Kingdom.
Global Rankings Reflect Decline
Hong Kong came in at position 140 in the World Press Freedom map ranking in the year 2025.
This is a decrease from position 135 in the year 2024. The lowest score recorded was 39.86 points.
The freedom index for the city, as measured by Freedom House, was “partly free” in the year 2025.
The freedom index score was 40 out of a maximum 100 points. The freedom index for the press scored only
Eight journalists are still in detention as of 2026. Even cases involving the security law are included.
Societal & Business Impact
A lack of independence in the media affects the availability of information. It impacts the monitoring of the government. Citizen participation is affected.
In the context of business, it means that lack of transparency is considered.
This occurs in Hong Kong as companies have unclear reporting when it comes to governance. Multinational companies consider risks in the environment.
Analysts believe a fall in trust in institutions could result. A new pattern has emerged with regards to an open Hong Kong.
Timeline of Key Events Since 2020
National Security Law, June 2020. Raid on Apple Daily, August 2020. It folded up shop in June 2021.
Stand News raided in December 2021. It shut down shortly afterward.
Article 23 ordinance enacted in March of 2024. It extended sedition rules.
The convictions were returned in August 2024, while sentencing came in September.
Jimmy Lai was found guilty on December 15, 2025. His conviction involves collusion and sedition.
What Happens Next
Today, the arguments for Jimmy Lai’s sentence were heard. A date for the final sentence is pending.
The government may pursue more cases under security laws. Observers watch for further media restrictions.
