Security or interference: how China's new counter-espionage law will affect Kazakhstanis
China has tightened its counter-espionage law, giving authorities the right to check citizens' smartphones, computers and other devices. These measures have raised concerns among foreign students, workers and businesspeople. In emergency cases, identity checks can be conducted without a warrant.
China has tightened the law on counter-espionage, now the authorities have the right to check smartphones, computers and other devices of citizens. According to Kyodo, emails, photos and videos will be analyzed to detect spying activities. This is a concern for foreign students, workers and businessmen based in China.
In emergency cases, identity checks can be conducted without a warrant. "If law enforcement can't immediately check devices, they can seize them," the Japanese publication reported.
It's not yet clear exactly what qualifies as an emergency. Some Japanese companies have already advised their employees not to bring smartphones to China.
China's Ministry of State Security says only those suspected of spying activities will be screened.
