China Allows Law Enforcement to Search Gadgets Without Warrant

China has introduced new regulations that allow police and other law enforcement officials to look through the contents of personal smartphones, computers and other electronic devices, according to Japanese media. It said that in “cases of emergency,” such inspections are permitted without a court order. The regulations do not specify what exactly constitutes an emergency, UNN reports.

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Foreign citizens may also be subject to inspection and verification of the contents of gadgets. According to Japanese media, this may cause foreign businessmen and expats to fear potential arbitrariness against them.

The new rules reportedly come a year after China passed a law aimed at strengthening its fight against foreign espionage, giving law enforcement the power to inspect data such as emails, photos and other images and videos on personal devices.

If it is not possible to check the contents of the device on site, the officer may deliver the digital device to a special location where it can be inspected.

Japanese news agency Kyodo quoted an unnamed Japanese tour operator as saying the new rules could reduce the flow of Japanese tourists to China. Some Japanese companies have reportedly already advised their employees not to take smartphones to China if they are traveling there for business purposes.

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