- The Hong Kong government has introduced new amendments to its national security law, granting police powers to demand phone and computer passwords from suspects.
- These new rules allow police to force individuals to decrypt electronic devices and provide any necessary information or assistance.
- Failure to comply carries penalties of up to one year in jail and a HK$100,000 fine, while providing false information could lead to three years' imprisonment.
- Analysts have criticised the powers as “grossly disproportionate”, arguing they infringe upon fundamental liberties such as communication privacy and the right to a fair trial.
- The amendments also empower customs officers to freeze assets and forfeit items deemed to have “seditious intention”.
IN FULL
Hong Kong police can now demand phone and computer passwords under new national security rule
