[capote]

It would be nice if there were a feature built in to phones to facilitate this. Like, on the lock screen, an emergency wipe button that runs a procedure you specify (log you out of everything, obfuscate which services you subscribe to, etc) and this way as you're going through customs, you can gauge your risk and at any point you feel uncomfortable, you discreetly click your button before smoothly handing over your phone and password with a warm smile.

[anigbrowl]

This suggestion comes up in every single thread. Consider that when such an obvious gambit seems to exist you're almost certainly not the first person to have come up with it, and there's a reason it hasn't already taken off.

[capote]

I realize I'm not the first person to come up with most ideas I have. I don't mind.

Care to share the reason it hasn't taken off? Or are you here just to call me out?

[anigbrowl]

Other commenters have already explained it to you. Reviewing existing knowledge on popular topics will often save you time and increase the enjoyment of participating.

[capote]

So clearly you're here just to call me out, so it's funny you should bring up time saving.

Other commenters on my comment have not provided a good reason. Like I said, I walk through customs and passport control with my phone in my hand all the time (20 or so trips per year) and could easily click this button the instant something unusual happens.

[anigbrowl]

Knock yourself out.

[psybin]

The area you are frog marched into is strictly no devices allowed, if they see you with any electronics in your hand you will be pounced upon. This is very obviously because people try to destroy evidence they have on their devices once they discover they are screwed.

[capote]

Nah, I'm sayin the area leading up to passport control or in the baggage claim area. I realize once you're sure something sketchy is happening, there's no actions left to take anymore. I pretty much have my phone out and in my left hand 100% of the time I'm in airports/planes, so nothing suspicious about right as someone's coming up to you or right as you walk up to a CBP officer you just tap a button.

[jedberg]

They claim to be device free, but yet everyone has their phones out texting and doing email as they wait in line. I've never seen a border agent even say anything, much less march someone away.

As long as you aren't taking pictures of the procedures they don't really care.

[psybin]

The waiting line for immigration/customs is not the area I'm talking about, this area is where you go once you fail the initial screening. In some international airports like Sydney you will receive a $300 on the spot fine if you have your phone in your hand, they're serious about it.

[ue_]

Australia does have some outrageous laws, so I suppose they want you not to be destroying the things that are governed by those laws on your phone. But I'd rather take the fine than have them find out, if I had such things.

[capote]

Exactly. With and without Global Entry, I've always had my phone in my hand through passport check and customs.