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If the governments claim they have authority to search your phone, then the only solution is not to store things on your phone during those border activities.

If the governments claim they have authority to search your phone, then the only solution is not to store things on your phone during those border activities. Any system for denial of access will simply be considered obstruction. So technical solutions would simply be to have a backup somewhere, with no trace of the backup software on the device itself. Get to where you're going, go to the website, or download the app, or plug it into another computer, and restore your data from the internet via access codes you have memorized. Or simply travel with a device dedicated for travel, and not your personal goings on. But obviously, technical solutions don't solve the root poison, which is government destruction of rights and social health in the name of "protecting our rights and society from terrorists".

deegles 9y ago
What I don't understand about the "create a backup" approach is that the government could simply ask you to surrender the backup. You shouldn't lie about having one, since that's (probably) a felony! Also, what's to stop them from asking for your email or other account passwords?
- Avernar 9y ago
  Use two factor authentication for your email and whatnot and leave the authenticator at home. Use a different email for travel that is only password protected.
- 8KjRu5VAAeMBIZm 9y ago
  Depending on the jurisdiction, the government agent may not be able to ask for the backup. I only know US border control considerations and they can only legally ask for access to what you have on you when you cross the border. If you are an American citizen (or permanent resident) you can decline, and they may well seize your device(s) but cannot deny you entrance. If you are a visitor to the US they can legally deny you entry if you do not comply with their vague and ever changing requests. But in neither scenario could they legally demand access to a backup copy: they can only ask for access to items in your possession while crossing the border, otherwise they would need to get a warrant.
  - confounded 9y ago
    The law appears to be unclear for permanent residents: https://mobile.nytimes.com/2017/02/14/business/border-enforcement-airport-phones.html https://mobile.nytimes.com/2017/02/14/business/border-enforc...

deegles 9y ago

What I don't understand about the "create a backup" approach is that the government could simply ask you to surrender the backup. You shouldn't lie about having one, since that's (probably) a felony! Also, what's to stop them from asking for your email or other account passwords?

Avernar 9y ago
Use two factor authentication for your email and whatnot and leave the authenticator at home. Use a different email for travel that is only password protected.
8KjRu5VAAeMBIZm 9y ago
Depending on the jurisdiction, the government agent may not be able to ask for the backup. I only know US border control considerations and they can only legally ask for access to what you have on you when you cross the border. If you are an American citizen (or permanent resident) you can decline, and they may well seize your device(s) but cannot deny you entrance. If you are a visitor to the US they can legally deny you entry if you do not comply with their vague and ever changing requests. But in neither scenario could they legally demand access to a backup copy: they can only ask for access to items in your possession while crossing the border, otherwise they would need to get a warrant.
- confounded 9y ago
  The law appears to be unclear for permanent residents: https://mobile.nytimes.com/2017/02/14/business/border-enforcement-airport-phones.html https://mobile.nytimes.com/2017/02/14/business/border-enforc...