In this article, we analyze the notion of privacy - how it is conceptualized and implemented as a constitutive element of identity - in two different cultures: Hong Kong, a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), and Ontario, Canada. By examining the two jurisdictions of Hong Kong and Ontario, we argue that, in addition to institutional structures, differing cultural notions of privacy affect the acceptance of new information and communication technologies (ICTs). For our comparison, we focus on one potentially privacy-invasive technology, smart cards, and discuss the factors that contribute to their adoption and use in the two regions selected, including one’s conceptualization of digital identity and privacy, and the role of consultation and public debate.
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