Here’s the translation to American English:
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The increase in the number of electronic device inspections at U.S. borders is raising serious concerns about privacy and the security of personal information. Although the Fourth Amendment protects U.S. citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures, officials from the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have the authority to conduct searches of electronic devices at points of entry into the country, including airports and land borders.
Since the era of George W. Bush, there has been a steady rise in the number of devices being examined, although there was a notable decrease at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic when international travel dropped. While the percentage of travelers affected by these searches is relatively low, the issue has gained importance recently due to increased scrutiny of immigrants and device checks that seem unjustified.
To assist journalists crossing borders, the Freedom of the Press Foundation, along with the Electronic Frontier Foundation and the Multimedia Journalism Program at the University of Texas at El Paso, has developed a set of recommendations. This document aims to prepare journalists to safeguard the confidentiality of sensitive information, such as unpublished materials and source contact data.
Among the suggestions, the importance of backing up devices before traveling, using strong passwords, and encrypting laptops is emphasized. Users are also advised to consider what information they are willing to disclose if their devices are inspected. For those planning to unlock their devices or provide passwords to authorities, it is recommended to upload important information to the cloud and delete any sensitive data they do not wish to be visible.
On the day of travel, completely powering down devices before passing through security is presented as an effective strategy, as it activates disk encryption and makes analysis by officers more difficult. Those facing secondary inspections should try to remain calm and may request the name and badge number of the agents conducting the inspection.
The current situation highlights the need for travelers, especially journalists, to be informed and prepared for the possibility of their devices being inspected, as well as to be aware of their rights and options in a context where digital privacy is facing significant challenges at the borders.
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Let me know if you need further assistance!
Source: MiMub in Spanish
