What Next: TBD | Tech, power, and the future Summer Travel Tips To Not Get Detained
Jun 15, 2025
Lily Hay Newman, a senior writer at WIRED specializing in information security, dives into the essential tactics for keeping your digital life secure when crossing U.S. borders. She discusses the alarming rise in traveler detentions and the invasive digital searches conducted by border agents. Practical advice on using burner phones and navigating airport security is highlighted to protect personal data. The episode also addresses the ongoing tension between surveillance, privacy rights, and the need for travelers to balance security with their digital safety.
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Border Agents' Search Powers
- U.S. border agents have sweeping authority to search phones without a warrant.
- This power is unique to borders and airports, not normal inside the U.S.
Phones Are Harder To Hack Now
- Phones have become harder to hack, making deep border searches more difficult today than years ago.
- Users now have better tools and methods to protect their device data proactively.
Profiling Influences Device Searches
- Border agents may look more at who you are than just digital content.
- Profiling includes religion, appearance, and political views, affecting device searches.