U.S. Customs Isn’t Protecting Traveler Data After Electronic Searches
Photo Credit: A customs officer at a border crossing in California. U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Public Affairs Visual Communications Division / Mani Albrecht
Skift Take
It should come as no surprise that the government isn't following its own rules when it comes to securing the traveler data it seizes from personal devices. Another reminder to take precautions, even if your chance of getting searched is rather low.
In the days following the initial travel ban instituted by President Trump, concerns emerged that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency would also ramp up searches of the electronic devices of those entering the country.
In recent weeks, the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Homeland Security has released the results of an audit exploring the policy and outcomes of electronic searches since 2016.
The good news is that only a small fraction of travelers have had their devices searched, even if it recent years represent a record high for the 10-year-old program. The bad news is that those who have had their dev
