Border Inspections on Electronic Devices Reaches Record High

US Customs and Border Protection inspected a record number of electronic devices belonging to international travelers in 2017.

According to a new report from the Associated Press, 30,200 phones and other such devices were inspected in fiscal year 2017. That figure represents a 60 percent jump from 2016.

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A CBP official told the Associated Press that the dramatic increase is likely tied to the fact that travelers now carry more electronic devices with them.

The searches are part of an effort to combat such things as terrorism, child pornography and other crimes.

Privacy advocates have criticized the searches, noting that the government should not be able to inspect the devices without probable cause and a warrant.

CBP also released an updated directive today clarifying how passwords and cloud data is to be handled.

The agency said the new directive supersedes the previous, which was released in 2009, and is designed to enhance transparency, accountability and oversight of electronic device border searches performed by CBP.

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“In this digital age, border searches of electronic devices are essential to enforcing the law at the U.S. border and to protecting the American people,” Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner, Office of Field Operations, John Wagner, said in a statement.

“CBP is committed to preserving the civil rights and civil liberties of those we encounter, including the small number of travelers whose devices are searched, which is why the updated Directive includes provisions above and beyond prevailing constitutional and legal requirements.”

Wagner added that CBP’s authority for the border search of electronic devices will continue to be exercised judiciously, responsibly, and consistent with the public trust.

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