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Canadian Fined For Not Providing Border Agents Smartphone Password (www.cbc.ca)

Posted by msmash on from the borderline-absurd dept.

Reader da_foz writes: A Canadian was reentering Canada when he was arrested and charged with hindering or obstructing border officials. At the time traces of cocaine were found on his bags and he was carrying $5,000 in cash. He provided his smartphone to border agents as requested, however refused to provide the password. Canada Border Services Agency officials asked for Philippon's smartphone and its password. From a report: "He handed over his BlackBerry but refused to disclose the code to access the phone. Philippon was arrested and charged under the federal Customs Act, accused of hindering or obstructing border officials." It is unclear if he provided the password while agreeing to the fine.

4 of 276 comments (clear)

  1. Boarder Agents by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Are those the ones that you rent rooms to?

  2. Fake "Panic" keys by DatbeDank · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Sounds like a good feature for Alfresco would be a fake PIN or password that sends you to a dummy account with minimum if anything available. Android already supports multiple user profiles, maybe treat the lock screen as a log in as well.

  3. NEVER give out your passwords by TheDarkMaster · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Never, ever give out your passwords to any "law enforcement" (the reason for the quotes will be clear)

    - It's ridiculously easy to plant evidence on a cellphone or PC;
    - Your password can be used later for industrial espionage;
    - There is no guarantee that the law officer would really be a law enforcement officer or that he is honest and therefore not going to use your passwords for dishonest activities;

    --
    Religion: The greatest weapon of mass destruction of all time
  4. Re:Meet the $5 wrench by magarity · · Score: 5, Funny

    Agent: Clubs you with a wrench. "Give me your REAL password, smartass"
    You: ...

    That's why my password is "I'll never tell, you bastards!"