China is enforcing a new law on Monday that allows national security authorities to inspect electronic devices on suspicion of espionage.
The Ministry of State Security is implementing the legislation that stipulates powers to crack down on spying.
The law states procedures to inspect mobile phones, personal computers and other devices of individuals and organizations.
It calls for officials to create notifications with approval from national security authorities at municipalities or higher levels.
But the law allows officials to hold on-site inspections in urgent cases if they have approval and explain their capacity.
The ministry stresses that the law is intended to thwart illegal activities that endanger national security.
Analysts say authorities will use the law to insist their inspections are legal.
The administration of President Xi Jinping places top priority on national security. It started to enforce a revised counterespionage law in July of last year in order to tighten crackdowns. The international community is concerned about the legislation being implemented arbitrarily.