[hnaparst]

The most basic function of Customs is to know what is coming into the country. Customs has always had the right to search whatever and whoever they want.

[mikeash]

Apparently not. According to this, they cannot force you to unlock your phone: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/14/business/border-enforceme...

[madamelic]

It really says a lot when a gov't is afraid of information.

[jstanley]

If they're searching information, they really need to be putting multi-minute delays on all cross-border internet communications while they search the content.

[praneshp]

More like multi hour if you want to block from tarmac to past-customs. It takes at least an hour to clear customs in SFO (For a non American)

[ouid]

the cellphone comes into the country through the airport, but the information on the cellphone has no such physical barriers.