How to Protect Yourself From Phone Searches at the US Border

With increased security measures at the US border, it’s important to know your rights when it comes to phone searches. Here are some tips to help protect your privacy:

1. Make sure to password protect your phone with a strong, secure password.
2. Enable encryption on your phone to further protect your data from being accessed.
3. Consider keeping sensitive information stored in a secure cloud storage instead of on your device.
4. Use two-factor authentication for added security when accessing your phone.
5. Be aware of your rights at the border – you have the right to refuse a search of your phone without a warrant.
6. If asked to unlock your phone, you can politely decline and ask for a lawyer to be present.
7. Keep your phone on airplane mode or turned off when crossing the border to limit the chance of it being searched.
8. Consider traveling with a burner phone that contains minimal personal information.
9. Regularly back up your phone’s data to ensure that important information is not lost if your phone is seized.
10. Stay informed of any changes in border security policies and laws that may affect your rights regarding phone searches.

By following these tips, you can better protect your privacy and data when traveling through the US border.