CITIZENS OF IRELAND WILL BE OBLIGED TO PROVIDE THE POLICE WITH PHONE AND COMPUTER PASSWORDS

A bill to give police officers the right to demand passwords from citizens' electronic devices at the time of a search is being prepared in Ireland. A severe criminal liability is provided for refusal: a large fine or even imprisonment.

However, at the same time, the police will be required to provide a report on each search conducted in writing. Such a measure will allow the control over the activities of law enforcement officers.

According to the Minister of Justice of Ireland Heather Humphreys, the new law is intended to make the activities of the police more clear and transparent.

At the same time, the purpose of the bill is to help people understand the scope of powers vested in police officers.

Humphreys separately noted that while strengthening the measures of responsibility for citizens on the one hand, the bill also increases control over the work of the police on the other. This methodology contributes to maintaining an important balance, which in turn is the key to the Irish criminal justice system, concluded the minister.

Additionally, the bill provides for an extension of the time limit for detention and pays great attention to the procedural rights of the accused.