Travelers Opt for Burner Phones Amid U.S. Border Electronics Searches
As summer approaches, some travelers are opting to leave their personal smartphones at home in favor of burner phones—temporary devices with limited functionality—amid growing concerns about privacy during U.S. border inspections. This shift comes as the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency reported over 43,000 electronics searches last year, a notable increase from prior years. Such inspections can lead to troubling consequences, including traveler denial for having sensitive data on their phones.
Journalists and others who handle confidential information are particularly wary. Esha Bhandari, a lawyer with the American Civil Liberties Union, highlights the government’s ability to "single out" individuals for searches, raising serious privacy concerns. The risk can be particularly high for those with potentially sensitive information, such as activists or visa holders, who may face harsher scrutiny.
For those considering how to protect their data while traveling, experts recommend assessing personal risk. Low-risk travelers might find it sufficient to use a passcode rather than biometric options, while medium-risk individuals can back up their data and purge their devices before returning to the U.S.
For those who deem the risk high, utilizing a burner phone is the most foolproof approach. A budget Android device can be packed, equipped solely with essential travel apps. Upon arrival, the traveler can connect to a local network via an eSIM, thereby eliminating the chances of border agents encountering sensitive data.
This proactive strategy serves as a reminder for all travelers to be mindful of the information they carry when crossing borders. As enforcement practices evolve, individuals must adapt to safeguard their personal data.
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