SA police to get new digital powers

South Australian Police will get more power to access encrypted or password-protected material held in the digital world, under proposed new laws.

Attorney-General Vickie Chapman says the laws will help SA keep pace with technology by compelling people to allow access to encrypted material.

"That can include the provision of passwords, fingerprints, facial scans or retinal scans, whatever enables authorities to access a device that may contain evidence of a serious offence," Ms Chapman said.