Protesters in Hong Kong on Edge as Police Track Their Online Footprints

There’s heightened fears that Hong Kong’s authorities have begun to police the Internet using methods more often associated with the security forces in mainland China, where web censorship is routine. Hong Kong has enjoyed a high degree of autonomy since its return to Chinese rule in 1997, retaining a Western-style legal system and protections for freedom of speech. But concern about China’s growing influence and anxiety that the territory is becoming more like the rest of China have helped fuel protests demanding open elections for the city’s next leader.