Hong Kong has granted the police power to demand phone and computer passwords to individuals suspected of violating the semi-autonomous city's national security law. The provisions, which took effect on Monday, allow police to seize items with ‘seditious intention’, bypassing judicial authorisations. These measures are part of the national security act imposed by Beijing in 2020 following large pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. The move has raised concerns about Hong Kong's status as an international financial and business centre. The amendments were gazetted by the city government to bypass Hong Kong’s legislature and potentially lead to fines for individuals who refuse to provide any reasonable information or assistance.