Border Crossing Best Practices

Protecting Your Devices, Data and Self In Liminal Legal Zones

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While some of the advice below is US-specific, it can also be helpful and relevant in any other border crossing situation.

1. Create a "Check-In Circle" Group

   • INVITE: Invite at least two people, a friend and family member, who are available to support you, to a dedicated group chat to monitor your travel

   • CHECK-IN: When you land, before immigration, let them know where you are, and that you will check-in again in 1-3 hours. Confirm receipt, and wait.

   • ACTIVATE: If no response after 3 hours, support circle should activate response to legal and other community resources

2. Minimize the Data You Carry Across the Border

   • LEAVE: Leave unnecessary devices at home.

   • BURNER: Use a temporary device or travel-specific accounts.

   • PRINT: Use paper to keep important information like contact phone numbers and travel documents

3. Use Encryption to Protect Your Devices and Data

   • ENCRYPT: Enable full-disk encryption on your laptop and phone.

   • PASSWORD: Choose strong passwords instead of fingerprint or face ID authentication, as biometric data may not be legally protected.

   • POWER-OFF: Power off your devices before reaching the border to reset security protections.

4. Avoid Implicit Consent to Searches

   • CLARIFY: If border agents ask for access, clarify whether it is a request or an order.

   • DECLINE: If it is a request, politely decline.

   • PROTEST: If ordered, consider stating that you are complying under protest.

5. Secure Your Social Media and Online Accounts

   • LOGOUT: Log out of accounts before crossing the border.

   • REMOVE: Consider uninstalling sensitive apps or removing saved login credentials.

   • DEACTIVATE: Temporarily deactivate social media profiles or adjust privacy settings to restrict access.

6. Know Your Rights and the Risks of Refusal

   • SEIZED: U.S. citizens cannot be denied entry but may have their devices seized.

   • DENIED: Non-citizens can be denied entry if they refuse to comply.

   • DEPORTED: Lawful permanent residents and non-citizens alike face potential complications regarding their status.

7. Use Strong Passwords and Avoid Biometric Authentication

   • STRENGTH: A complex password is more secure than a fingerprint or face ID.

   • PROTECT: Some courts have ruled that passwords are protected under the Fifth Amendment, but fingerprints or other biometrics are not.

8. Back Up Your Data Before Traveling

   • BACKUP: Have an encrypted backup stored at home or in a secure cloud.

   • LOSS: If your device is seized, you won’t lose valuable information.

9. Document Rights Violations

   • DETAIL: write down the details as soon as possible.

   • IDENTIFY: Note officers’ badge numbers and names.

   • COMPLAIN: Consider filing a complaint with a legal advocacy group.

10. Stay Calm, Be Respectful, and Do Not Lie

• TRUTH: Lying to a federal agent is a crime.

• CALM: Do not physically interfere with agents’ searches.

• COMPOSED: Remain composed and strategically decide whether to comply or refuse.

Read and review more from these sources:

• EFF Digital Privacy at the U.S. Border: Protecting the Data On Your Devices: https://www.eff.org/wp/digital-privacy-us-border-2017
• EFF Border Search Pocket Guide: https://www.eff.org/document/eff-border-search-pocket-guide
• Device Security: Preparing for Theft, Loss or Confiscation: https://guide.globalsupport.link/physical/device-security-preparing-for-theft-loss-or-confiscation
• A Safe Trip: It's All in the Preparation: https://guide.globalsupport.link/physical/a-safe-trip-its-all-in-the-preparation