Overview

• Hong Kong's Article 23 law, aimed at safeguarding national security, has been enacted, introducing new offences and expanding government enforcement powers.
• The law's broad definitions of 'national security' and 'state secrets' mirror those of mainland China, potentially covering a wide range of activities.
• Concerns have been raised about the impact on human rights, with the law making it easier to target dissent and interaction with foreigners.
• The legislation empowers the Chief Executive to create new laws unilaterally in the name of national security and grants police extensive powers to detain individuals.
• Critics argue that the law undermines Hong Kong's autonomy and freedoms, with potential penalties for sedition and external interference significantly increased.