Passwords law change 'won't hurt HK's image'

Secretary for Security Chris Tang said on Saturday a new legal requirement for national security suspects to hand over passwords for their phones or computers to law enforcement officials or face prison time will not affect Hong Kong's international image. Officers are required to apply for a search warrant before they can ask suspects to unlock their devices, he told a television programme, and have to set out their reasons for accessing the devices to the courts. The move will not invade people's privacy, Tang said, pointing out that similar rules are being enforced in places such as the UK and Australia. “[The laws] might be even harsher in these places," he said. "You have to open up your social media accounts for them to take a look." Asked why the amendments came six years after the national security law was implemented, Tang said this was because previous court cases showed that there was room for improvement in implementing the law. Separately, Permanent Secretary for Security Apollonia Liu said it is both the government and society’s responsibilities to safeguard national security. Delivering the remarks at Civil Aid Service Headquarters open day ahead of National Security Education Day on Wednesday, she said the government will continue to use a holistic national security approach to deepen safety awareness and unite the public in safeguarding the nation. Edited by Thomas McAlinden