Canada warns travelers of US border agents’ authority to search electronic devices

In response to the U.S.’s hostile pronouncements about Canada becoming the 51st state and in response to tariffs and the way the U.S. is treating its long-time friend and ally Canada so horribly, a lot of Canadians are reportedly opting not to buy American, not to vacation in America, and to sell their second homes in the U.S.  It’s totally understandable to those of us who do treasure our relationship with Canada and despair about what the current administration is doing. 

Now Canada is warning its citizens of additional risks if they try to travel to the U.S.  or return to the U.S. Mohammed Tawfeeq reports:

The Canadian government is warning citizens visiting the United States that US border officials have the authority to search travelers’ electronic devices – including phones, laptops, and tablets – without providing a reason.

In a revised travel advisory posted online, it urges Canadians to “expect scrutiny” when crossing the border and warns that refusing to comply involves risks including device seizure, travel delays, or the denial of entry for non-US citizens.

Under US law, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents may demand passwords to unlock devices during inspections. Travelers who refuse the demand risk having their electronics confiscated and may face long delays.

The advisory recommends placing devices in airplane mode before crossing to prevent unintended downloads of remote files, which could complicate screenings.

Read more at CNN.

Searches by border agents is nothing new, and the expansion of the “border” for purposes of searching of devices is also nothing new, but in the current climate, PogoWasRight believes it is wise for all countries to warn their citizens about traveling to the U.S.