Phone Privacy Panic: US Border Searches Surge Amid Security Crackdown
Customs and Border Protection can search your phone at the US border, even if you’re a citizen. With device searches spiking, travelers are considering canceling trips due to intrusive inspections. Remember, your memes aren’t safe! Want to protect your digital life? Consider leaving your phone at home or mastering the art of origami.
Hot Take:
Who knew crossing the border could feel like an episode of “CSI: Your Life”? With CBP agents channeling their inner Sherlock Holmes, it’s a good time to consider if your phone’s most scandalous secret is just your Candy Crush addiction. With the increase in device searches, it seems the only safe way to travel is to leave your digital life at home—or at least password-protected with the cunning of a digital ninja.
Key Points:
- CBP’s device searches hit a record high of 14,899 from April to June 2025.
- Both “basic” and “advanced” device searches are conducted, with advanced searches involving forensic tools.
- The uptick in searches coincides with increased migration policies under the second Trump administration.
- Device searches can be conducted without a warrant, impacting citizens and foreign visitors alike.
- CBP is seeking more advanced digital forensics tools to enhance their search capabilities.