Some Hongkongers have phones checked for protest photos at mainland China border amid anti-government unrest
- Residents say they have been asked to unlock their mobile phones when trying to cross the border, and officers have checked their messages
- In one case a Hongkonger was not allowed to return to the city, while another claims he was forced to delete all relevant videos and images
Of 10 travellers who shared their experiences with the Post, five said mainland authorities had also inspected their private messages at land control points between Hong Kong and the neighbouring city of Shenzhen.
All of them – most of whom declined to be named as they cross the border regularly and feared repercussions if they were named – said this was the first time they had the contents of their phone examined.
Ben Crox, a 38-year-old technology and public relations consultant, said his phone was inspected on July 24 at the mainland port area inside the city’s high-speed rail terminal in West Kowloon.
The consultant refused initially, and asked for a lawyer, but was told he could only contact someone on the mainland. His request to exit the mainland port area and return to Hong Kong soil was denied.
