'Unlimited land searches raise privacy concerns'

A development official warned on Friday that unrestricted land record searches could result in privacy concerns, leading authorities to revise the process. This issue arose following the government's suggestion of legislative changes, which require land record searches to have one of nine specific purposes. During a meeting with lawmakers, Permanent Secretary for Development of Planning and Lands Doris Ho reiterated the need for a mechanism to allow media to investigate matters of public interest, such as large-scale unauthorized building projects.

Ho expressed confidence that future approval for such reporting would be "very high," provided an application and necessary information are submitted.

While there is no formal appeal process, Ho noted that applicants could submit previously unconsidered grounds for reconsideration if their application is denied. Additionally, authorities are exploring the implementation of a system to notify property owners when their land is being searched.