A Hong Kong court has upheld a government policy restricting journalists’ access to vehicle registration records, ruling that the tightened system for obtaining ownership information is lawful and consistent with privacy protections.

The case centered on changes introduced to the city’s vehicle registry that limit how individuals, including reporters, can access the personal details of vehicle owners.

Authorities revised the system in recent years, requiring applicants to choose from specific purposes when requesting information and narrowing the circumstances in which full ownership data can be obtained.

Media organizations had challenged the policy, arguing that the restrictions make it more difficult for reporters to conduct investigations involving public interest issues such as corruption, public safety incidents and misconduct by officials.

Journalists previously used the database to identify owners of vehicles connected to criminal cases, accidents or suspected wrongdoing.

Government lawyers argued that the reforms were designed to protect personal privacy and prevent misuse of personal data.

Officials said the registry was never intended to serve as a broad investigative tool and that safeguards were necessary after concerns emerged about the potential exposure of sensitive personal information.

In its ruling, the court determined that the revised policy falls within the government’s authority to regulate access to personal data held by public registries.

Judges concluded that requiring applicants to declare legitimate purposes for searches represents a reasonable balance between transparency and privacy protection.

The court acknowledged that journalists play an important role in public accountability but said that this role does not grant unrestricted access to personal information maintained in government databases.

According to the judgment, the restrictions do not entirely prevent reporters from seeking information but instead regulate the circumstances under which it can be obtained.

Press organizations have warned that the decision could complicate investigative reporting in Hong Kong, where journalists have historically relied on open registries to verify identities and trace assets connected to news stories.

Government officials say the policy reflects a broader effort to strengthen personal data protection while maintaining necessary public services.

They argue that access to sensitive records must be carefully managed to prevent abuse and protect the privacy rights of individuals.

The ruling reinforces the legal standing of the revised registry system and signals that Hong Kong courts view privacy safeguards as a legitimate factor in determining how government data can be accessed by the public.