Even If You’re Just Transiting Hong Kong, Refusing To Unlock Your Devices Is Now A Crime
viewfromthewing.com • • world
Key Points:
- Hong Kong has made it a criminal offense to refuse police requests for passwords or decryption assistance to access personal electronic devices, including for travelers merely transiting through Hong Kong International Airport.
- This legal change applies to all individuals in Hong Kong, including U.S. citizens, and grants the government expanded authority to seize and retain personal devices.
- The measure is part of amendments to Hong Kong’s National Security Law, which has been used retroactively to target pro-democracy activists despite earlier promises to the contrary.
- The U.S. Department of State has issued a warning about these new regulations, advising caution when traveling on Cathay Pacific or through Hong Kong.
- The situation highlights ongoing tensions between security measures and privacy rights, with some noting irony given similar debates over device searches at U.S. borders.
