China - US Embassy in Hong Kong Security Alert: Refusal to give the police the passwords or decryption assistance to access all personal electronic devices including cellphones and laptops is now a criminal offense

[sharon sanders]

Security Alert

Refusal to Give the Government Passwords to Personal Mobile Device Criminalized in Hong Kong

By U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong
4 MINUTE READ
March 26, 2026

On March 23, 2026, the Hong Kong government changed the implementing rules relating to the National Security Law. It is now a criminal offense to refuse to give the Hong Kong police the passwords or decryption assistance to access all personal electronic devices including cellphones and laptops. This legal change applies to everyone, including U.S. citizens, in Hong Kong, arriving or just transiting Hong Kong International Airport. In addition, the Hong Kong government also has more authority to take and keep any personal devices, as evidence, that they claim are linked to national security offenses.

Actions to Take:

• Contact the U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong & Macau if you are arrested or detained.
• Visit Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to enroll in the updated STEP to set your preferences and continue receiving alerts and messages from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
• Encourage friends and family traveling or living internationally to enroll in STEP. Travelers may choose to sign up for alerts for individual trips or to receive alerts long-term for specific countries where they or their loved ones are visiting or residing.
• Follow the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs on social media (@travelgov) as well as the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate .

Assistance:

U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong and Macau
+852 2841-2211
+852 2523-9011 (after hours)
ACSHK@state.gov

State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444

Hong Kong Travel Information
Macau Travel Information
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

https://hk.usconsulate.gov/security-alert-2026032601/

[Commonground]

Beijing Diplomat Confronts US Official Over Hong Kong Security Alert

March 29, 2026
Chinese officials formally objected to a US security warning issued to American citizens in Hong Kong. The diplomatic confrontation stems from new Hong Kong security enforcement rules requiring citizens to provide device passwords to authorities

-snip-
The Chinese Foreign Ministry’s Hong Kong office announced late Saturday that Commissioner Cui Jianchun held a meeting with US Consul General Julie Eadeh on March 27. During the discussion, Cui conveyed Beijing’s “strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition” and demanded that the United States cease meddling in Hong Kong matters and China’s domestic issues “in any form.”

The diplomatic tension arose after Hong Kong recently modified its national security enforcement procedures earlier this month. Under the revised regulations, individuals involved in national security cases now face criminal charges if they decline to surrender passwords or refuse to help authorities decrypt electronic devices.

...The US Consulate General has not yet provided a response to requests for comment regarding the diplomatic meeting.

https://www.finedayradio.com/news/tv-delmarva-channel-33/beijing-diplomat-confronts-us-official-over-hong-kong-security-alert/