Phone Searches at the US Border Hit a Record High

In recent years, the number of phone searches conducted by US border officials has been increasing dramatically.

According to a report released by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), there were a record high number of phone searches at the US border in the past year.

The ACLU report found that border officials conducted over 30,000 phone searches in 2020, a significant increase from previous years.

These searches often involve border officials asking travelers to unlock their phones, and then scrolling through their contacts, messages, photos, and social media profiles.

Many privacy advocates have raised concerns about the legality and ethics of these searches, arguing that they violate the Fourth Amendment rights of travelers.

Despite these concerns, the US government has defended the practice of phone searches at the border, stating that they are necessary for national security and to prevent illegal activities.

Some lawmakers have proposed legislation to limit the scope of border phone searches, but these efforts have faced resistance within the government.

As the number of phone searches continues to rise, it is clear that this issue will remain a topic of debate and controversy in the years to come.

Travelers should be aware of their rights when crossing the US border and take precautions to protect their privacy and sensitive information.