With the rapid developments associated with information technology, the computer and the Internet, as well as the potential for them to be exploited for carrying out criminal activities, the Cybercrime Sub-committee (Sub-committee) of the Law Reform Commission (LRC) commenced its study on the topic of cybercrime in January 2019. In the course of its study, the Sub-committee will identify the challenges arising from such rapid developments, review existing legislation and other relevant measures, examine relevant developments in other jurisdictions and recommend possible law reforms (if any).
The Sub-committee, chaired by Derek Chan, SC, published a Consultation Paper in July 2022, making preliminary law reform proposals on cyber-dependent crimes and the related jurisdictional issues. Cyber-dependent crimes are crimes that can be committed only through the use of information and communications technology devices, where such devices are both the tool for committing the crimes and the target of the crimes.
In January 2026, the LRC published a report on Cyber-Dependent Crimes and Jurisdictional Issues, recommending the introduction of a new piece of bespoke legislation on cybercrime to cover five types of cyber-dependent crimes and their jurisdictional rules. The report represents the first part of the LRC’s study on cybercrime.
The Sub-committee’s secretary is Ms Cindy Cheuk, Senior Government Counsel.
If you wish to obtain further information on this project, please write to the Secretary of the Law Reform Commission by fax, post or email.
The Commission's offices are at:
9/F, Champion Tower
Three Garden Road
Central, Hong Kong
Fax: 3702 0136
Email: hklrc@hkreform.gov.hk