Man Prosecuted for Alleged Phone Data Wipe at U.S. Border
A U.S. man faces charges for allegedly erasing his phone's data using a "duress password" during a border search. The case raises questions about digital security practices at borders.
The U.S. Department of Justice is prosecuting Samuel Tunick of Atlanta for allegedly destroying evidence by providing border officers with a passcode that wiped his phone's data. Prosecutors claim this constitutes the unlawful destruction of evidence.
Tunick has pleaded not guilty and is seeking dismissal, arguing the initial search and seizure were unlawful. This case is reportedly the first in the U.S. to involve the alleged use of a "duress" password, a feature designed to wipe a device when unlocked with a decoy code.
The incident occurred on January 24, 2025, as Tunick re-entered the U.S. through Atlanta's airport. Customs and Border Protection agents selected him for secondary inspection. Tunick's attorneys allege he was denied legal counsel and not informed of his rights.
Tunick's phone ran GrapheneOS, a privacy-focused Android alternative. The "duress" feature is intended for situations where users are forced to unlock their devices. However, security experts have noted that some jurisdictions might interpret a triggered data wipe as destruction of evidence.
Digital security specialists warn that this prosecution could deter travelers, particularly activists and journalists, from using secure device features when entering the U.S. The case reinforces existing advice that it may be safer not to carry sensitive data across certain borders.