I'm traveling to the US mainland for the first time in my life in a few weeks.

I am not overly stressed about privacy, but I have read that US immigration can really overstep their boundaries. Are there any simple specific steps to take on my devices to protect my privace when going through US border control?

Remove my main accounts from my phone/tablet and use dummy accounts? Or just removing my biometrics?

  • edric@lemm.ee
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    5 months ago

    While using a clean phone with nothing on it sounds like a good plan, it also looks very suspicious and can attract more attention. So take that into account when traveling regardless of the destination. Just like anonymization on your browser, the goal is to blend in, not stand out.

    Honestly, it depends a lot on where you’re coming from and what you look like. And to be frank, it’s a little overblown to be paranoid enough to go that far, unless you are a high profile person of interest like a journalist or someone involved in politics. If you’re just an ordinary bloke going on vacation or attending a conference, you will be fine with basic precautions.

  • player2@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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    5 months ago

    If you are doing something illegal then you should definitely bring a new device. If you are not doing something illegal then you should just bring your normal device and keep it locked/off when entering.

    They can force biometrics but not pin, but they will only do that if you're already in super deep trouble for breaking the law. Just be normal and you'll have no issues.

  • M500@lemmy.ml
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    5 months ago

    People keep saying that they can’t for e you to enter your pin, but they can enforce biometrics.

    I’m pretty sure that immigration in the US can just confiscate your devices if you are not a citizen .

    • Arthur Besse@lemmy.ml
      ·
      5 months ago

      I’m pretty sure that immigration in the US can just confiscate your devices if you are not a citizen .

      CBP can and does "detain" travelers' devices at (or near) the border, without a warrant or any stated cause, even if they are US citizens.

      Here is part of the notice they give people when they do:

      Show Screenshot of the initial paragraphs of CBP Publication No. 3160-0423, Revised April 2023, titled "Border Search of Electronic Devices" with text: All persons, baggage, and merchandise arriving in, or departing from, the United States are subject to inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This search authority includes all electronic devices crossing our nation’s borders. What to Expect You are receiving this document because CBP intends to conduct a border search of your electronic device(s). This may include copying and retaining data contained in the device(s). The CBP officer conducting the examination will speak with you and explain the process. Travelers are obligated to present electronic devices and the information resident on the device in a condition that allows for the examination of the device and its contents. Failure to assist CBP in accessing the electronic device and its contents for examination may result in the detention of the device in order to complete the inspection. Throughout CBP’s inspection, you should expect to be treated in a courteous, dignified, and professional manner. As border searches are a law enforcement activity, CBP officers may not be able to answer all of your questions about an examination that is underway. If you have concerns, you can always ask to speak with a CBP supervisor. CBP will return your electronic device(s) prior to your departure from the port of entry unless CBP identifies a need to temporarily detain the device(s) to complete the search or the device is subject to seizure. If CBP detains or seizes your device(s), you will receive a completed written custody receipt detailing the item(s) being detained or seized, who at CBP will be your point of contact, and how to contact them. To facilitate the return of your property, CBP will request contact information.

      • M500@lemmy.ml
        ·
        5 months ago

        Maybe what I was thinking was that they can’t deny entry to citizens. Im not sure exactly, but there was some benefit citizens had.

    • rando895@lemmygrad.ml
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      5 months ago

      Yeah, and it's fully legal for them to take any money you have and claim it's related to drug money (even if you're a citizen). You can always get it back if you fight for it but.....

      Don't bring things with you that you don't want taken from you (unless you have to).

  • Dessalines@lemmy.ml
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    5 months ago

    When going through immigration, turn your devices off, and make sure they're pin or password locked.

    They still can try to compel you to open them by saying they won't let you go, and they can keep you detained for a long time.

  • Arthur Besse@lemmy.ml
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    5 months ago

    Or just removing my biometrics?

    Ultimately you shouldn't cross the US border carrying devices or encrypted data which you aren't prepared to unlock for DHS/CBP, unless you're willing to lose the hardware and/or be denied entry if/when you refuse to comply.

    Device searches were happening hundreds of times each month circa 2009 (the most recent data i could find in a quick search) and presumably it has gotten worse since then.

    In 2016 they began asking some visa applicants for social media usernames, and then expanded it to most applicants in 2019, and the new administration has continued that policy. I haven't found any numbers about how often they actually deny people entry for failing to disclose a social media account.

    In 2017 they proposed adding the authority to also demand social media passwords but at least that doesn't appear to have been implemented.

    • PoorPocketsMcNewHold@lemmy.ml
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      5 months ago

      Well, on my ESTA, they said the social medias disclosure is optional. Just a tool to help you confirm your intents visiting the US (or to be withheld against you as well) https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/faq?lang=en&focusedTopic=Privacy%20and%20Security&answerToDisplay=How%20will%20CBP%20use%20my%20social%20media%20information%20collected%20through%20the%20additional%20question%20that%20was%20added%20to%20the%20ESTA%20application%20in%20December%202016%3F

  • InputZero@lemmy.ml
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    5 months ago

    I think you're overthinking it. I used to go into the US often for business and I have never had any of my electronic devices searched. The best advice is to leave your phone at home and buy a cheaper pre-paid travel phone. Not because of privacy but what if it's lost, stolen, or confiscated? It's no big deal losing a burner phone.