Hong Kong has introduced new rules allowing police to require suspects in national security cases to hand over passwords for phones and computers.

The measures expand enforcement of the Hong Kong National Security Law imposed by China after the 2020 protests.

Refusal to comply can result in up to one year in prison, with harsher penalties for providing false information.

Critics say the changes further erode civil liberties and privacy rights, while officials insist they are lawful and won’t affect ordinary residents, Al-Jazeera has reported.

The move adds to ongoing concerns about declining freedoms in the city, highlighted by high-profile cases like that of Jimmy Lai.