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?

  • refalo@programming.dev
    172·
    5 months ago

    Does this thing happen often enough to foreign travellers to make it worth leaving your main devices behind? Yes.

    I think we have very different definitions of “often”

    • TheSun@slrpnk.net
      94·
      5 months ago

      Doesn’t need to happen often, its a possibility for x number of people passing thru the borders any given day. They have the legal right to force your biometrics to unlock your device. Removing it ahead of time is prudent.

      If you breeze thru no problems; no harm no foul, just add your thumb again.

      • refalo@programming.dev
        10·
        5 months ago

        I thought if the device was off, or just booted, or in lockdown mode, then biometrics could not be used without entering the password first?

        • socphoenix
          41·
          5 months ago

          Yup! Holding power and volume up or down on an iPhone for a few seconds will lock it and require a password before it will unlock again.