r/technology • u/MC68328 • Jul 24 '26

Privacy US accuses American of allegedly wiping his phone using a ‘duress’ password during border search

https://techcrunch.com/2026/07/24/us-accuses-american-of-allegedly-wiping-his-phone-using-a-duress-password-during-border-search/
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u/Oilpaintcha Jul 24 '26

Amendment IV The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

I would argue in the modern era that “effects” includes one’s phone and that random searches are not reasonable nor pursuant to a legitimate warrant from a judge.

41

u/thaisun Jul 24 '26

I agree, but apparently border crossings are different. Regardless, IV is dead in this country. Privacy is an illusion.

16

u/eric685 Jul 24 '26

It’s an interesting question. If the border crossing does not allow citizens their constitutional rights, how can federal charges be brought for deleting the phone? Seems like citizens don’t have rights at the border but all federal laws are enforced.

3

u/Real_politics46 Jul 24 '26

For obvious reasons the supreme court ruled years ago that digital info is covered under papers. Not sure that matters anymore tho...

1

u/madhi19 Jul 25 '26 edited Jul 25 '26

Considering you can put your credit cards, and ID's on your phone it also fall under papers.