Canadian journalist's detention at US border raises press freedom alarms

Post by [deleted] » Fri, Dec 02, 2016, 11:30 PM UTC

exolymph wrote: post #50

jliptzin wrote: post #21

Don't be fooled, Canadian border patrol proudly engages in this as well. I was recently driving across the border to Montreal on vacation when Canadian border agents, in addition to searching my car and personal belongings, demanded to see my cell phone and turn over the password. I simply asked why, since I didn't think I was doing anything suspicious, at which point the agent angrily responded "because I can and no…

> I asked what would happen if I didn't turn the password over and just went back home to the US, they told me they'd seize the device and put me in prison until they break into it. I guess it depends on how much you care about your personal info or how sensitive your data is, but I wouldn't budge based on this. I'd say, "Okay, I want to talk to the American embassy," then wait it out. Edit: To be clear, this would b…

Post by mikestew » Fri, Dec 02, 2016, 11:32 PM UTC

snowwindwaves wrote: post #71

jliptzin wrote: post #58

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Actually if I were alone I would have done that just to prove a point, but I was with my SO and I didn't want to ruin his vacation as well.

Once you are denied entry in to Canada (or the us) be prepared to answer questions about it for the rest of your life every time you cross the border. Even if you decide not to enter as opposed to being denied I bet it pops up on their screen for a long time.

Post by [deleted] » Fri, Dec 02, 2016, 11:33 PM UTC

ryanobjc wrote: post #84

colmvp wrote: post #42

I tried arguing this persons privacy yet I got highly downvoted on /r/canada, for points that I felt I couldn't refute, specifically that crossing a nations border is not a right but a privilege, and that most Western nations have similar POVs when it comes to the right for border officers to inspect laptops/phones. I know that the ACLU and EFF have fought to defend Americans from having their laptops/phones inspecte…

Canadians don't believe in absolute free speech or privacy. In legal situations, this pops up: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peace,_order,_and_good_governm... Don't forget Canada is very homogeneous and they are just as likely to fall victim to "other-ing" and fear mongering. If you are fitting in, you're ok in Canada. If you arent, well no end of troubles awaits you. Just ask all the queer bookstores that had their…

Post by mindslight » Fri, Dec 02, 2016, 11:36 PM UTC

neom wrote: post #22

leeoniya wrote: post #4

"Keeping America safe and enforcing our nation’s laws in an increasingly digital world depends on our ability to lawfully examine all materials entering the U.S.," What does "lawfully" even mean in this context? It's one of those words used specifically to excuse legally questionable practices at best, and outright illegal or unethical behavior by people in positions of authority, like parallel construction and evide…

Keep in mind that constitutional principles do not apply fully at US borders.

Post by TallGuyShort » Fri, Dec 02, 2016, 11:45 PM UTC

makecheck wrote: post #51

jliptzin wrote: post #21

Don't be fooled, Canadian border patrol proudly engages in this as well. I was recently driving across the border to Montreal on vacation when Canadian border agents, in addition to searching my car and personal belongings, demanded to see my cell phone and turn over the password. I simply asked why, since I didn't think I was doing anything suspicious, at which point the agent angrily responded "because I can and no…

I’ve always found it ridiculous that the content of devices is fair game. There is literally nothing on a phone that couldn’t be digitally downloaded after crossing the border (therefore no “threat” by bringing the phone with you). Similarly, there is no possible way to harm an airplane based on what is present on a laptop; and even if there were, you could buy in-flight WiFi and download the bits after boarding. You…