When you cross a border, do your digital rights come with you?

In this eye-opening episode of the Learn Online Security

Podcast, host Tamara Michèle is joined by IT expert and founding member

Chris Howells to unpack the reality of border security and personal

privacy when travelling internationally—especially for Canadians heading

to the U.S.

💡 Can border agents search your phone?

🔐 Are you legally required to unlock apps?

📱 What happens if you refuse?

🧳 Should you travel with a burner phone or encrypted storage?

☁️ Is cloud storage really safer?

This episode dives into the Canadian government travel advisory

and explains how laws change the moment you leave your home country.

Whether you're a digital minimalist or a tech-heavy traveller, this is a

must-watch conversation about privacy, legality, and personal choice in

the age of border surveillance.

🎙️ Featuring real insights from a 2021 Homeland Security presentation

for IT professionals.

The federal government has updated its online travel advice in 2025 to

remind Canadians to 'expect scrutiny' from border patrol officers if

they travel to the United States.

References:

Podcast Host Tamara Michéle

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Disclaimer: This advice is meant to inform and help you make better decisions about your digital security while crossing borders. However, we cannot be held liable for any consequences, including missed flights, confiscated devices, or any other issues you may encounter while applying these recommendations. Always check local regulations and policies before travelling to ensure full compliance with border control and law enforcement practices.