Trending Now - Hong Kong Enforces Password Surrender Under Security Law

WHO:

Hong Kong government

Police in Hong Kong

Individuals under investigation for endangering national security

Journalists, doctors, and lawyers (as mentioned in relation to confidentiality)

WHAT:

New rule requires individuals to surrender phone or computer passwords during national security investigations

Non-compliance can result in a fine of up to HK$100,000 ($12,700; €11,000) or a prison sentence of up to one year

The law mandates the provision of "any password or other decryption method" necessary for police access to electronic equipment

WHERE:

Hong Kong

WHEN:

The announcement was made on Monday, March 21st, 2026

The national security law was imposed by China in 2020

WHY:

The new rules aim to ensure that "activities endangering national security can be effectively prevented, suppressed and punished"

The Hong Kong government and China claim the national security law has brought stability following the 2019 anti-government protests

HOW:

The law applies to anyone who owns, controls, or is authorized to access the equipment in question, as well as anyone who knows the password or decryption method

The obligation to provide passwords applies even in cases involving a "duty of confidentiality or any other restriction on the disclosure of information"

(UPDATED March 23, 2026 15:40 UTC)

On Monday, March 21, 2026, the Hong Kong government announced a new rule requiring individuals under investigation for endangering national security to surrender their phone or computer passwords to police. Failure to comply could lead to a fine of up to HK$100,000 or a prison sentence of up to one year, and this obligation extends even to those bound by confidentiality, such as journalists, doctors, and lawyers. This law, which stems from the national security legislation imposed by China in 2020, aims to effectively prevent and punish activities deemed harmful to national security.