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Most Americans don't protect their data, because most Americans aren't potentially going to be set up by their government to be made to look like some kind of t
by peterwwillis 8y ago
Most Americans don't protect their data, because most Americans aren't potentially going to be set up by their government to be made to look like some kind of terrorist.
If you happen to be non-white or non-christian or have such as family or who live in a majority Muslim country, then you probably do want to protect yourself against this eventuality. In that case, either bring a dumb/brick phone for them to search, or bring a smartphone which has data on it, but nothing you care about. Don't jump through a lot of hoops to try to fool them, because it'll look suspicious, and then you really aren't going to make your flight.
- h0l0cube 8y agoA 'blame the victim' mentality gives breathing space to the bully. 'Blame the bully' and at least they might apply some discretion, to counter negative attention to themselves or their superiors. Enforcement jobs, including border patrol, can self-select for sadists and racists, so it's probably best the public remains vigilant to the prospect of their increasing power.
- jcbrand 8y agoOf course it would be better if the "bully" was removed or reformed. However, until that happens (which might be never), it's prudent to protect yourself, and telling people that they must take precautions for their own safety and well-being is not "blaming the victim".
- aflag 8y agoWhite Americans just have lower odds. But it only takes the border control officer to find something "suspicious" like a video about nuclear bombs in your youtube history and now you might just be a rotten apple. What you think is fine and what law enforcers think can be quite different. I'm not saying you should live in fear, just that these kind of checks are not good for anyone. Not even if you carry your sweater over your shoulders.