How to Protect Yourself From Phone Searches at the US Border
2 min read
Summary
The Trump administration’s increasingly volatile border policies are causing people to reconsider the risks of carrying devices packed with personal information to and from the US.
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials can search people’s phones and other devices as they determine who is allowed to enter the country.
Foreign visitors and US visa holders can be detained, questioned and even deported for refusing a device search.
There are two ways to approach device privacy ahead of border crossings: start with a clean slate, purchasing a new phone for travel, or wiping and repurposing an old one, or modifying your primary smartphone.
The former involves creating a sanitised version of your digital life, ideally with separate communication and social media accounts specifically for travel.
The latter involves removing old photos and messages, cleaning out nonessential apps, and either removing some apps altogether or logging out of them and logging back in with travel accounts.
Obtaining a printed boarding pass and turning your phone off and storing it in your bag before you approach a CBP agent are simple steps anyone can take to reduce the chances of their device attracting attention.
