Innes Tang: The Mind Behind Hong Kong's Surveillance Culture

Innes Tang, a former banker, believes he represents a "silent majority" in Hong Kong by reporting citizens under the National Security Law (NSL).

In a city where protests and rallies once bloomed, Innes Tang, 60, has taken it upon himself to police alleged violations of Hong Kong's National Security Law (NSL). Funding a hotline with his personal resources, Tang claims to ensure a safer society filled with watchful citizens ready to report any actions they view as suspicious. From people waving colonial flags in malls to bakeries selling protest-themed cakes, no incident is too trivial for his scrutiny.

As the NSL, imposed in 2020 following massive pro-democracy protests, has dramatically reshaped public discourse, many see it as a tool for stifling freedom of expression. According to Tang, nearly 100 individuals and groups have faced police action due to his tip-offs, contributing to a growing culture of voluntary surveillance. “If we find these things, we report them to the police,” Tang asserts, emphasizing his perception of responsibility to uphold national security.

This informing culture is echoed by the Hong Kong government, which has received over 890,000 reports through its own hotline since late 2020. Yet, the consequences for those reported can be severe—over 300 arrests have occurred due to NSL infractions. Independent bookshop owner Pong Yat-ming shares that he frequently faces government inspections motivated by "anonymous complaints."

Meanwhile, Tang's motivation stems from a desire to restore what he considers balance to Hong Kong society after 2019’s civil unrest. He believes many Hongkongers are more worried about political stability rather than the loss of freedoms, which he frames as abstract concerns. As an advocate of the Chinese state, he insists his activities speak for a majority that does not support further independence but also resents ongoing disruptions.

Though Tang claims to be serving his community, critics argue such surveillance fosters an atmosphere of fear and repression. Political commentator Kenneth Chan laments that friendships have frayed as people avoid association with any perceived dissent. This growing atmosphere of apprehension has precipitated significant emigration, with over 300,000 citizens leaving Hong Kong amid a crackdown on freedoms.

Despite Tang's apparent sense of righteousness, even he notes the dangers of a polarized political environment where laws can be weaponized against dissenters. “I don't want to see every policy passing with 90% of the vote,” he said, calling for a balance amid warnings of censorship and self-censorship rife in the city.

As Tang pivots to new initiatives, sharing China's narrative on human rights and Hong Kong around the globe, Kenneth Chan reflects on a fragile future. With friends in exile or jail, Chan occupies a precarious position, navigating uncertain waters of political discourse in a city increasingly characterized by silence.

In light of the government's commitment to national security, it emphasizes that only a minority are targeted for actions threatening the state, perpetuating sentiments of fear. While Tang's hotline may have temporarily quieted dissent, the long-term repercussions for Hong Kong's social fabric remain deeply uncertain.