Stories from Tajikistan

Tajikistan's Ministry of Labor has clarified that law enforcement officers have the right to inspect citizens' phones and their contents. Refusal to unlock a phone may result in special penalties. Russian law currently prohibits such searches, even in criminal cases. The Tajikistan Ministry of Labor revealed that the country's Border Service, which is part of the FSB, has the authority to inspect mobile phones. Officials can also place individuals under administrative arrest if they refuse to unlock their devices. This development follows reports regarding increased internet control in the region.