The Canadian government is warning citizens that US border officials have the authority to search electronic devices without providing a reason. Citizens are urged to expect scrutiny when crossing the border and to be aware of the risks of refusing to comply, including device seizure and travel delays.
Under US law, Customs and Border Protection agents may demand passwords to unlock devices during inspections, and travelers who refuse risk having their electronics confiscated. The Canadian government recommends placing devices in airplane mode before crossing to prevent unintended downloads of remote files.