A new security law took effect on Saturday in Hong Kong, raising concerns about a further crackdown on people's freedoms.

The legislation prohibits espionage, external interference, inciting mutiny and the theft of state secrets. Violators can be imprisoned for life.

But critics say the law's definitions are broad and vague. And they fear it could be used arbitrarily to harm business operations and media reporting.

The new law also bans the act of inciting subversion against Beijing and the Hong Kong government, including on social media and in physical publications.

The Legislative Council, whose members are almost entirely pro-Beijing, unanimously passed the bill on Tuesday. Chief Executive John Lee signed it into law three days later.

The legislation comes after authorities imposed the sweeping National Security Law in Hong Kong in 2020.