An Appeals Court panel has ruled that federal agents can legally search through travelers’ cell phones without reasonable suspicion, probable cause, or a warrant when they cross an international border.
An Appeals Court panel has ruled that federal agents can legally search through travelers’ cell phones without reasonable suspicion, probable cause, or a warrant when they cross an international border.
Turn it off before crossing. They may ask you to power it on, which you may comply with. In my experience, biometrics don’t work after a fresh boot and the device password must be entered before biometric unlocking works.
That prevents them from getting into your phone, but probably prevents you from getting across the border too.
No. Even the guy who used the duress password to wipe his device was allowed through the border.
They will use psychological pressure and make you wait hours, but they will let you through, even if you stand your ground.
Encrypt all your real devices and use a dummy phone to cross. If you get questioned, give lawyer contact info and say nothing else
The lawyer is for you, not them. Just prepare to say “no thank you. Am I free to go now?” for a few hours. Don’t say anything else.
Might sound extreme, but unironically everyone should do this