"New Zealand: Hand over phone password at border or face $3,200 fine"
Under the
Customs and Excise Act 2018,
which came into force this week, officials will be able to demand
travelers unlock any electronic device so it can be searched. Anyone who
refuses can face prosecution and a fine of up to $3,200 (5,000 NZD).
Officials can also retain devices and potentially confiscate them from travelers who refuse to allow a search at the border.
The
New Zealand Council for Civil Liberties (CCL) described the new law as a
"grave invasion of personal privacy of both the person who owns the
device and the people they have communicated with."