Hong Kong: New rule forces people to surrender passwords

The Hong Kong government on Monday announced that anyone refusing to give up phone or computer passwords in investigations related to national security could face up to a year in prison. The new rule is part of a raft of amendments to Hong Kong's national security law, which was imposed by China in 2020 following huge pro-democracy protests in the semi-autonomous city.

It requires people to provide "any password or other decryption method" necessary to allow police with warrants to access electronic equipment that is believed to hold evidence.

Those who fail to comply could face a fine of up to HK$100,000 ($12,700; €11,000) or a one-year prison sentence.The amendment applies to people who are under investigation for endangering national security, as well as anyone who owns, controls, or is authorized to access the equipment in question. It also covers anyone who knows the password or decryption method.

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