A recent CBC News article highlighted both the powers of border agents to search digital devices and the general lack of awareness of your rights at the border.

In this case, a lawyer was returning to Canada and refused to provide his digital passwords resulting in seizure of the devices. This is fully within border policy and the legal framework at the border.

Your smartphone, laptop, and other devices contain a massive amount of information about you and your life. Taking those devices across a border could be putting your information at risk. It all depends on your particular risk tolerance.

Are you aware of your rights as you cross the border? Do you take precautions to protect your digital footprint?

References:

• original CBC News article, https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/cbsa-boarder-security-search-phone-travellers-openmedia-1.5119017