Hong Kong Turns Device Encryption Into Legal Liability Under Expanded NSL

Hong Kong's amendments transform device encryption from a privacy protection into a criminal liability, forcing anyone with device access—from device owners to IT administrators—to prioritize government demands over security. The deliberately vague 'national security' standard and lack of judicial oversight establish a precedent for authoritarian governments weaponizing everyday technology, creating serious risks for journalists, business travelers, and anyone relying on encrypted communications.