Hong Kong residents may face up to a year in prison for refusing to disclose passwords to electronic devices in cases conducted under national safety regulations," the South China Morning Post reports. Critics indicate that this is another step towards limiting the freedom and surveillance of citizens.
The fresh regulations importantly extend the powers of services. The police are given the chance to request information already at the phase of "reasoned suspicion", without the request for evidence before the courts, as well as a wider right to interfere with content published online.
Under the regulations, non-cooperation can mean a advanced fine and a prison conviction – up to 3 years. The authorities shall guarantee that changes are lawful and do not hit average citizens.
