The EFF has some advice for interacting with border agents. First: don’t lie to them. This is a punishable crime regardless of whether you are lying to cover something up or not. It is always better to decline answering than it is to give a false answer. Don’t obstruct an Agent’s investigation or attempt to delete data once it becomes clear that an agent intends on examining a device. Just write down the agent’s identifying information and collect a receipt for your property. Be courteous, but firm. Only a judge can make you reveal a passphrase or otherwise decrypt a machine. Understand, however, that refusing to cooperate may lead to the indefinite detention of your device and you may not be allowed in the country.
(Images via ocosma‘s Flickr photostreams)
