- The Hong Kong government has introduced new amendments to its national security law, granting police powers to demand phone and computer passwords from suspects.
- These new rules allow police to force individuals to decrypt electronic devices and provide any necessary information or assistance.
- Failure to comply carries penalties of up to one year in jail and a HK$100,000 fine, while providing false information could lead to three years' imprisonment.
- Analysts have criticised the powers as “grossly disproportionate”, arguing they infringe upon fundamental liberties such as communication privacy and the right to a fair trial.
- The amendments also empower customs officers to freeze assets and forfeit items deemed to have “seditious intention”.
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