German travelers wishing to enter the United States should prepare for possible checks of their electronic devices. According to the American civil rights organization Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), cell phones and laptops are being checked more frequently upon entry. Especially in the current political situation, more intensive checks could occur, which is especially important for tourists, students, and commuters.
The EFF advises people to have a plan in advance and, in particular, to consider how they will react to a possible check. There are generally several stages of the check: Initially, only routine questions are asked, but if the officer notices something suspicious or the case appears to be open for more detailed investigation. During this process, travelers may be asked to unlock their mobile phone. If they refuse, the officer can confiscate the device. Anyone who unlocks their mobile phone must expect a comprehensive search of all data, apps, and photos. In rare cases, the data may even be stored for an extended period and viewed by other border officials.
Experts recommend putting your phone in airplane mode before the checkpoint and avoiding public Wi-Fi networks to prevent access to data stored in the cloud. Using social media accounts could also cause problems during the checkpoint, as border officials are only allowed to view public profiles. Another tip is to be aware of which devices are actually necessary and whether an empty second phone could raise suspicion.
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