Hong Kong Police Gain Sweeping Powers Under New National Security Laws
Hong Kong authorities can now demand passwords and access to digital devices as part of a crackdown under the city's controversial national security legislation.
In a concerning development for civil liberties, Hong Kong's police force has gained sweeping new powers under the city's stringent national security legislation. Authorities can now demand that individuals provide the passwords and full access to their digital devices, including smartphones, laptops, and tablets. Those who refuse to comply face harsh penalties, including up to one year in jail and fines of up to HK$100,000 (around $12,700 or £9,600).
The new rules, which took effect on August 1st, 2021, are the latest escalation in Hong Kong's crackdown on dissent and free expression following the implementation of the national security law in 2020. The legislation, which was imposed by Beijing, has been widely criticized for its broad and vague provisions that grant authorities extensive powers to suppress political opposition and free speech.
{{IMAGE_PLACEHOLDER}}Activists and legal experts have expressed grave concerns about the privacy and data security implications of the police's new powers. Maya Wang, a senior China researcher at Human Rights Watch, warned that the rules could have a
Source: BBC News
