Duress Code, Border Seizure, and Legal Firestorm | Tech News

A man named Samuel Tunick faces federal charges after allegedly using a “duress” password on his GrapheneOS phone to wipe its data—just before border agents seized it. This is the first time prosecutors in the U.S. have pursued such a case, claiming he destroyed property to thwart seizure. Tunick’s defense argues his phone was unlawfully taken during a January 2023 Atlanta airport detention, without legal counsel or Miranda rights. They also allege the investigation targeted his environmental activism, not child exploitation. The government contends phones can be searched without warrants pre-entry into the U.S., but experts call this unprecedented. Tunick has pleaded not guilty, and a key court ruling on evidence suppression is expected later this year. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/ba90f98ad70cd60c