The authorities have expanded the powers of security forces, bypassing parliament.
Hong Kong police have been given the authority to demand phone and computer passwords from those suspected of violating the National Security Law (NSL). Refusal to provide a password carries a penalty of up to a year in prison and a fine of up to HK$100,000 (approximately US$12,700), while providing "false or misleading information" carries a penalty of up to three years in prison.
The new powers are enshrined in amendments to the NSL bylaws, published in the Official Gazette on Monday. Hong Kong Mayor John Lee approved the changes, bypassing the Legislative Council.
The National Security Law came into force in 2020, following the large-scale pro-democracy protests of 2019. Authorities insist that the anti-terrorism and anti-separatism provisions are necessary for stability, but critics view the law as a tool for suppressing dissent.
In addition to access to devices, the amendments empower customs officials to seize items they believe "carry seditious intent." Hong Kong authorities stated that the changes will allow them to "effectively prevent, suppress, and punish acts that threaten national security while protecting the legitimate rights and interests of individuals and organizations."
The right to demand passwords for electronic devices exists in many jurisdictions worldwide as part of criminal investigations. However, Hong Kong's law covers a vague and extremely broad range of offenses—from separatism and subversion to terrorism and "collusion with external forces." The NSL also allows for certain court hearings to be held in camera.
Since the law's passage, hundreds of protesters, activists, and former opposition members have been jailed. In February, a court sentenced the father of an exiled pro-democracy activist to prison for attempting to cash in on his daughter's life insurance policy. That same month, media mogul Jimmy Lai received a 20-year sentence for conspiring with foreign powers and publishing inflammatory materials.
Hong Kong police have been given the authority to demand phone and computer passwords from those suspected of violating the National Security Law (NSL). Refusal to provide a password carries a penalty of up to a year in prison and a fine of up to HK$100,000 (approximately US$12,700), while providing "false or misleading information" carries a penalty of up to three years in prison.
The new powers are enshrined in amendments to the NSL bylaws, published in the Official Gazette on Monday. Hong Kong Mayor John Lee approved the changes, bypassing the Legislative Council.
The National Security Law came into force in 2020, following the large-scale pro-democracy protests of 2019. Authorities insist that the anti-terrorism and anti-separatism provisions are necessary for stability, but critics view the law as a tool for suppressing dissent.
In addition to access to devices, the amendments empower customs officials to seize items they believe "carry seditious intent." Hong Kong authorities stated that the changes will allow them to "effectively prevent, suppress, and punish acts that threaten national security while protecting the legitimate rights and interests of individuals and organizations."
The right to demand passwords for electronic devices exists in many jurisdictions worldwide as part of criminal investigations. However, Hong Kong's law covers a vague and extremely broad range of offenses—from separatism and subversion to terrorism and "collusion with external forces." The NSL also allows for certain court hearings to be held in camera.
Since the law's passage, hundreds of protesters, activists, and former opposition members have been jailed. In February, a court sentenced the father of an exiled pro-democracy activist to prison for attempting to cash in on his daughter's life insurance policy. That same month, media mogul Jimmy Lai received a 20-year sentence for conspiring with foreign powers and publishing inflammatory materials.
