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Returning from vacation? The government can search your phone without a warrant

411 points · 378 comments · rbanffy

  1. smalltorch · · focus · HN ↗
    I don't like this. I think about a year ago when there was a big push for chat control in the EU, almost like an instinct, I started working on ways to be more soverign with my data.

    I'm just a regular guy who really has nothing to hide, but that doesn't mean I need to be complacent with just allowing a future I don't like be propped up in front of my eyes.

    What I've come to realize is there is really no safer place for your data and communications than just your own home. At the very least, I would like a judge to review the evidence of my alledged wrong doing before the government can raid my castle and get what they need.

    Why do I, as a regular citizen feel the need to invoke and create my own protections on personal data and communications?

    There's something deep inside me that feels the need to be prepared for this odd future where the government feels they have the right to access everything. It's deeply troubling on many fronts.

    1. rdm_blackhole · · focus · HN ↗
      > I'm just a regular guy who really has nothing to hide

      I think you are wrong. We all have things to hide.

      A joke between friends taken out of context. Your angry messages to a spouse or parent after a fight happened between you and them could be used out of context also. And what about your YouTube history and playlist or your web history...

      > just your own home

      Your home can be searched and all your devices at home can be seized as well. Granted it's probably a higher threshold than having everything on your phone but it's no a panacea either.

      1. smalltorch · · focus · HN ↗
        >Your home can be searched and all your devices at home can be seized as well.

        You need a warrant to search my home. That's my whole point. Warrantless access is the issue.

        Get a warrant, and I will happily show you anything you want. Nothing will be found because at the end of the tunnel, I actually have nothing to hide, I'm just a regular guy is my point.

        1. rdm_blackhole · · focus · HN ↗
          > You need a warrant to search my home.

          I agree that is why I said that it was higher threshold to get access to your data but warrants can be obtained for many different reasons and not always good ones either.

          All I am saying is that if they want your data, they'll get it. It's just easier at the border.

          1. smalltorch · · focus · HN ↗
            >All I am saying is that if they want your data, they'll get it. It's just easier at the border.

            That's fine, and I will do everything I can to make it as difficult as possible, not because I have something to hide at the end of the day, but because screw that what a terrible future to pass on to the next generation.

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