Hong Kong police have been granted new powers to demand mobile phone and computer passwords from individuals suspected of breaching the city's national security law, in a further tightening of dissent controls. The amendments, published on Monday, also allow customs officers to seize items deemed to have 'seditious intention' without requiring an arrest.
Refusing to comply with a password demand could result in up to one year in jail and a fine of HK$100,000 ($12,773). Providing false or misleading information carries a maximum penalty of three years' imprisonment and a fine of up to HK$500,000.
The changes were made using powers to bypass Hong Kong's legislature, with officials set to brief lawmakers on Tuesday. The national security law, imposed by Beijing in 2020, punishes acts such as subversion and collusion with foreign forces with up to life imprisonment.
Urania Chiu, a UK-based law lecturer researching Hong Kong, criticised the provisions for interfering with fundamental liberties, including privacy of communication and the right to a fair trial. She described the powers as 'grossly disproportionate' due to the lack of judicial authorisation.
A Hong Kong government spokesperson defended the amendments, stating they conform to the Basic Law and human rights provisions, and 'will not affect the lives of the general public'. According to the Security Bureau, 386 people have been arrested for national security crimes to date, with 176 people and four companies convicted.
