Editorial | New police security law hotline should not be abused

Hotlines for members of the public to convey information to the police can help in the war against crime. Hong Kong, for example, has dedicated lines for tip-offs on drug and white-collar crimes, among others. News from government sources of one more hotline may not seem to warrant extra scrutiny.

This one, however, is not to be confused with the others. What sets it apart is the kind of activity it is supposed to uncover and the seriousness of possible consequences – or the risk of smear by association or groundless suspicion.

The police national security unit plans to launch a hotline for the public to report information that would help it enforce the new law against subversion, secession, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces. Offenders face life in prison.

Beijing’s imposition of a national security law on Hong Kong was controversial. As it was pointed out, most countries have such legislation. But they do not all include a hotline for people to report on one another. The law is sweeping in its scope and power to reach into everyday lives. There is potential for activities to be misconceived as suspicious by an ordinary person.

This calls for rigorous vetting by experienced professionals.