← Back to context

Comment by MetroWind

2 hours ago

They can just ask you to unlock it for them.

They can ask, yes. And I can refuse. They can’t detain me more than temporarily, and they can’t prevent me from entering the country.

  • I'm afraid to leave the country precisely because I worry about difficulties upon return. I understand that as a citizen I can't be denied reentry, but I also understand they can make the process extremely difficult or uncomfortable if they want to and I have little or no recourse.

  • They can still make your life very difficult. They could throw you in jail for "obstructing investigation" or something similar.

    Not in US, but had my phone seized by authorities and was asked to unlock it. I'm walking free, but I think what really saved me is that I genuinely complied with investigation and the only place where I drew the line was me giving away my password.

    If I used my right to remain silent AND not give away the password, I'd probably be charged with something. I'm sure its very similar in many countries, including US.