this post was submitted on 21 Feb 2026
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.. And importantly, US legal rulings currently state that you can be coerced by law enforcement / border agents to unlock your devices using biometrics (being a part of your body), but NOT coerced to reveal a PIN or password, as that is something you remember -- no forced confessions or something like that.
And if you have a device-wipe 'duress' PIN code, make sure you use it BEFORE being asked to unlock the device, or they'll claim you erased evidence. Better to just not have ANY data you are concerned about on the device while crossing into any country -- carry a blank device, and download it securely after entry.
Never use fingerprint or face unlock on your phone if travelling to the US.
I have an even simpler rule. Dont travel to the US. (and Canada does this too)
As an American who lives in a major tourist zone, don't visit right now. We'll weather the storm, and you can come back when we get our shit together again. We will.
Yeah as they say, it is always darkest before dawn.
Regrettably a lot of people have a requirement to travel to the US and other authoritarian countries.
Yeah I feel for the people who don't have that choice...