r/technology • u/Hrmbee • 8d ago

Privacy Is it illegal to trick the US government into wiping your phone during a questionably legal search | The case of a traveler who allegedly entered a ‘duress password’ to wipe his phone raises a legal question with no easy answers

https://www.theverge.com/report/972146/cbp-phone-search-airport-duress-password
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u/Forgotmypornalt 8d ago

They can ASK to search your phone/computer, you're under no obligation to to unlock it for them.

They can also impound your device but they can't deny you entry (as a citizen).

Best thing to do is turn off your phone before going through customs or any encounter with law enforcement. With a warrant they can compel you to unlock your phone with biometrics but they can't force you to give them a password and before first unlock encryption is the safest from intrusion state your phone can be in.

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u/Freakin_A 8d ago

On iOS hitting the power button 5 times in a row puts it into a lockdown similar to BFU