Hong Kong police can demand phone and computer passwords
Change
Hong Kong police can compel suspects under the National Security Law to disclose phone or computer passwords, with refusal punishable by up to one year in jail and a HK$100,000.
Why it matters
The bylaw amendments were gazetted without approval from Hong Kong's legislative council, accelerating enforcement tools available under the National Security Law. Providing false or misleading information to authorities is criminalised with penalties up to three years' imprisonment, raising legal risk during investigations.
Implications
- • Defence lawyers must advise clients that withholding device passwords risks criminal charges.
- • Import/export firms' compliance teams must prepare for increased customs seizures of goods judged seditious.
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Source
Topics
Policy & Regulation Security & Defense Human Rights Regulatory Actions Data Privacy