The Hong Kong government on Monday said anyone who refuses to hand over phone or computer passwords in investigations linked to national security could face up to a year in prison.
The measure is among several amendments to Hong Kong’s national security law, which Beijing imposed in 2020 after large pro-democracy protests in the city. It requires people to provide “any password or other decryption method” needed to allow police with warrants to access electronic devices believed to contain evidence.
Those who do not comply could be fined up to HK$100,000 (about $12,700) or sentenced to up to one year behind bars.
What does the law say?
The amendment covers people under investigation for endangering national security, as well as anyone who owns, controls, or is authorized to access the devices in question — and anyone who knows the password or decryption method. The obligation applies even where there is a “duty of confidentiality or any other restriction on the disclosure of information,” including cases involving journalists, doctors, and lawyers.
A government spokesperson said the rules were intended to ensure that activities threatening national security can be effectively prevented, suppressed and punished, while also protecting the lawful rights and interests of individuals and organizations.
Hong Kong’s government and Beijing say the national security law restored stability to the financial hub after the massive 2019 protests. Human rights groups and Western governments counter that the Beijing-imposed measure has been used to curb democratic freedoms and silence political dissent.
Edited by: Elizabeth Schumacher