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Inside the Black Box: How US Border Agents Crack Your Devices
- French space researcher denied U.S. entry over text messages critical of Trump administration's policies, leading to diplomatic tensions.
- Michigan attorney faced targeted search at Detroit airport for representing pro-Palestinian protester; refused to surrender phone due to privileged client information.
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection conducted over 47,000 electronic device searches in FY 2024, with a significant increase in searches over years.
- Advanced tools like Cellebrite's UFED and GrayKey enable comprehensive data extraction from devices, including deleted files and security bypass.
- Legal foundation for electronic device searches lies in CBP Directive #3340-049A, using the border search exception to the Fourth Amendment's warrant requirement.
- Device searches reveal disparities based on demographics, with a higher percentage targeting non-U.S. citizens.
- CBP's centralized management systems retain relevant data from searches indefinitely, with some travelers experiencing extended device detention.
- Legal battles concerning electronic device searches at borders involve balancing privacy concerns with traditional border search powers, resulting in contrasting court decisions.
- Citizenship status determines the legal protections and potential consequences of device searches at borders, impacting travelers' rights and decision-making.
- With evolving legal and technical landscapes, strategies like Lockdown mode and security hygiene help protect digital privacy during border crossings.
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