US and Canada border crossing and computer privacy: What do I need to know?
I've read stories about border officials searching laptops when crossing the border in one direction or the other. Does this really happen, typically speaking?
As a US citizen, can I be forced to give them my laptop's password for any/no reason? I don't believe they are allowed to deny entry to the US to a US citizen? ....but who knows these days?
Canada can deny me entry for any reason, so that's fine. But in practice, does this even happen in either crossing direction?
EDIT - I've now made the trip. They didn't so much as glance in the direction of my laptop. My biggest issue turned out to be lack of international wireless data service!
Best Answer
I know that for security reasons, they ask to turn the laptop on and have it running in front of them. I know it happens.
I know that they've asked for passwords from non-US citizens, and I've heard about cases where the immigration officers denied entry to tourists based on what they've found on their laptops.
But Apparently, as shown in the comments, even when you're a US citizen, to the best of my knowledge they cannot they can search your laptop (i.e.: require the password) without a warrant.
As a US citizen, you cannot be denied entry to the US.
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Can I bring my computer across the border?
Yes, U.S. Customs and Border Protection can and does search electronic devices entering the country.What do Canadian border guards see on their computer?
Canada Border Services Agency ( CBSA ) officers are allowed to examine all goods you have with you when you cross the border. This means that just like your luggage, our officers can examine your cell phones, tablets, laptops and any other digital device you are carrying.Can border agents search your laptop?
U.S. border agents do not need warrants to search digital devices, court rules. BOSTON (Reuters) - A federal appeals court ruled that U.S. border agents do not need warrants to search travelers' smartphones and laptops at airports and other U.S. ports of entry, a practice that grew during the Trump administration.Do Canada and US Customs share information?
When you leave Canada by air, we collect basic exit information directly from air carriers through passenger manifests. We do not share this information with the US . Collecting entry and exit information enhances the CBSA 's ability to manage border security by closing the loop on an individual's travel history.Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Javon Swaby, Ryutaro Tsukata, Armin Rimoldi, Armin Rimoldi