Hong Kong gives police authority to request phone and computer passwords

Hong Kong Police Gain Expanded Powers Under National Security Law

A new provision has been introduced allowing police to seize items deemed to have “seditious intention” without judicial authorization. The measure took effect on Monday as part of the national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020.

The amendments, which were gazetted by the city government, grant police the authority to require individuals suspected of violating the law to provide passwords or decryption methods for electronic devices. They also empower customs officers to seize items deemed to have “seditious intention”, regardless of whether an arrest has been made.

Under the new rules, refusing to comply with a request can result in up to one year’s imprisonment and a fine of up to 100,000 Hong Kong dollars. Providing false or misleading information can lead to up to three years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to 500,000 Hong Kong dollars.

Lawmakers will be briefed on the new provisions on Tuesday. The move has raised concerns among human rights advocates, who argue that the expanded powers interfere with fundamental liberties such as privacy and the right to a fair trial.

According to the Security Bureau, a total of 386 people have been arrested for national security crimes since the law was introduced. Four companies have also been convicted, while one media tycoon, Jimmy Lai, received a 20-year jail term in February for collusion with foreign forces and sedition.

The Hong Kong government has stated that the amended rules conform to the city’s mini-constitution and human rights provisions, and will not affect the lives of the general public or the normal operation of institutions and organizations.

Source: Al Jazeera