Deloitte and KPMG staff “told to use burner phones” in Hong Kong

The cost of doing business in Hong Kong now includes burner phones for staff. Deloitte and KPMG, two of the world’s biggest audit firms, have asked some US-based staff to leave their usual work phones behind when visiting Hong Kong, according to the FT, as China increases control over the territory. One executive said some senior employees were hesitant about making the trip now because of the hassle of leaving devices behind. “We have been recommending for several years that clients treat the risk of being in Hong Kong as the same as mainland China,” one cybersecurity executive told the paper. “I think what you’re seeing is that message sinking in now.” Hong Kong said last month that the city would create its own national security law next year, four years after Beijing imposed legislation on Hong Kong to silence dissent. KPMG and Deloitte were approached for comment.