Hong Kong police have been granted new powers to demand phone passwords from individuals under recently implemented national security rules, according to local authorities.

The new regulations carry significant penalties for those who refuse to comply with police requests for device access. Individuals who fail to provide passwords when demanded can face imprisonment for up to one year and financial penalties reaching HK$100,000 ($12,700; £9,600).

The measures represent an expansion of law enforcement authority in the territory as part of broader national security legislation. The rules grant police direct access to personal digital devices and communications without requiring individuals' voluntary cooperation.

The implementation of these password disclosure requirements adds to the array of enforcement tools available to Hong Kong authorities under the national security framework. The penalties aim to ensure compliance with police demands for digital access during investigations related to national security matters.