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.
I have a question… there’s data on my phone and other devices that are protected under an active NDA. I am legally obligated to prevent disclosure of that information.
So… what happens then?
> agree to do corporate espionage for company A
> get a job at company B, sign an NDA, put all their sensitive data on your phone
> have your buddy get a job with the CBP
> cross the border, “oops, I guess he gets to look at my phone, what can I do?”
> buddy doesn’t have an NDA so he tells company A what he saw then splits the money with you
> profit??
No, you’re not. Encrypt the device and turn it off.
And if they ask you to unlock it, you just say no and it all goes fine?
They hold you for a few hours and make a bunch of vacant and vague threats.
Then, yes, they release you.
A few court rulings from now and I won’t be surprised if they’ll start indefinitely detaining people or using “enhanced interrogation”
It depends if you’re a citizen or not.
That’s merely how is starts.