i think it would have been different if he wiped it before he came through customs. he gave them the pin, which destroyed the data after it was requested. almost like the phone was boobytrapped.

personally i just try to delete most of my communication apps on the plane before i get back to the states (signal, lemmy, instagram…) in case they want to search my phone and get mad about a meme. (precident). i also try to offload as much as possible to selfhosted apps where applicable (rss reader, podcasts) so i can just log back in and have everything.

i dont know how far these searches can go, but id be worried about password managers and app store history too along with any account where you can just “log in with google” or whatever. once the device is unlocked and in their hands, they can have access to quite a bit of personal information.

i bet theyre just pissy this technology exists and are trying to make it illegal.