[greatgib]

What is insane is not really his specific case, but the last paragraph of the article about the law in UK:

   Under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act, police are allowed to stop anyone passing through a UK port “to determine whether they may be involved or concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism”.

   The person who is detained can be held for up to six hours, is legally obliged to answer questions and must provide the password or access number for electronic devices, or be held to have committed a criminal offence if they refuse.

So, basically, just because you pass the border, English citizen or not, you have to provide the password to all your devices on request, without even a probable cause or any justice decision or oversight. And if you don't comply, you will be sentenced as a terrorist...

[snakeyjake]

Every single country on Earth has these same rules.

It is a core characteristic of a nation that it is able, if it chooses, to inspect every single person and item entering it.

Even countries with open borders reserve the right, and have often exercised that right, to close their borders and enforce strict customs, immigration, and security laws.

It doesn't matter where. Europe, Asia, Africa, "good" countries, "bad" countries-- if you cross their border you can be compelled to unlock your phone.

If you think you live in a country that cannot do so, you are wrong. The only differentiating characteristic among all nations is the nature of the reaction if you refuse to comply.

[eviks]

This is a strange take

> The only differentiating characteristic among all nations is the nature of the reaction if you refuse to comply.

You mean the nature ranging from to going to jail to you wasting a few hours more in the airport?

> if you cross their border you can be compelled to unlock your phone.

Do you have a source for this?

[cvalka]

LOL, what? Most countries will take your away your phone but not criminally charge for refusing to unlock your phone.

[jalapenos]

So they've brought back the Star Chamber then.

Such a shame to see that country go from what it was to what it is now.

It's like they've all decided "ok so we've done being strong and great, now let's try be the biggest pieces of shit we can be".