New Zealand Customs Can Fine You for Refusing to Disclose Passwords
Travelers who refuse to hand over the passwords to their computers and smartphones to New Zealand's Customs Service could now face a $3,300 fine.
Officials in the country already had the power to search your digital devices. But the new Customs and Excise Act, which took effect on Monday, now lets them dangle the threat of a fine to anyone who refuses to hand over the passwords or encryption keys for their digital devices.
Under the law, a customs officer can search your computers on suspicions that you're committing a crime such as illegally importing certain goods. In addition to threat of a $3,300 fine, travelers who fail to comply could also face prosecution. According to The New York Times, the country's customs officers would only search files stored on the devices; browsing histories and internet accounts would not be accessed. Customs officials will also refrain from retaining password information.
