How to Protect Yourself From Phone Searches at the US Border

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

1. Encrypt your phone: Make sure to enable encryption on your phone to protect your data from unauthorized access.
2. Use a strong passcode: Set up a secure passcode instead of using biometric authentication, as this can be compelled by border agents.
3. Turn off your phone: Power down your device before reaching the border to prevent agents from accessing your data without your consent.
4. Use a burner phone: Consider using a temporary phone with minimal personal data when traveling to the border.
5. Store sensitive information offline: Keep important documents and sensitive information in a physical format to avoid digital searches.
6. Backup your data: Store a backup of your data on a secure cloud service in case your device is confiscated or lost during a search.
7. Know your rights: Familiarize yourself with your rights at the border and do not give in to pressure to unlock your device or disclose passwords.
8. Protect your social media profiles: Review your privacy settings and be mindful of the information you share online, as this can be used against you during a search.
9. Use a VPN: Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) to secure your internet connection and prevent unauthorized access to your data.
10. Seek legal advice: If you believe your rights have been violated during a phone search at the border, seek legal guidance to protect yourself.

By following these tips, you can better protect your privacy and data when crossing the US border and minimize the risk of unauthorized phone searches.