Hong Kong Police Granted Power to Demand Passwords Under NSL Amendments

• •Hong Kong police can demand passwords from suspected NSL violators.
• •Refusal to comply can result in up to one year in jail and significant fines.
• •The amendments were made without legislative council approval, raising concerns about democracy.

Hong Kong police can now demand passwords from individuals suspected of violating the National Security Law (NSL). Those who refuse to comply may face up to one year in jail and fines of up to HK$100,000 (approximately $12,700). The amendments to the NSL, announced on March 25, 2026, also empower customs officials to seize items deemed to have seditious intent. The NSL was enacted in 2020 following pro-democracy protests, with authorities claiming it is necessary for stability, while critics argue it suppresses dissent. The changes were made without going through the legislative council, raising concerns about the erosion of democratic processes. The amendments aim to prevent and punish activities that threaten national security while claiming to protect individual rights. The law allows for some trials to occur behind closed doors, further limiting transparency.