What are your rights as a Canadian if asked by a U.S. border agent to see your social media?

The CP24 article explains why wiping your phone or using a “burner” device before crossing into the United States can do more harm than good. Many travellers react to reports that U.S. border officers may request access to social media and phone contents by deleting apps, removing accounts or carrying a secondary device. But Benjamin Green, an immigration lawyer quoted in the story, warns that an empty or scrubbed device can itself become a red flag for officers — it may signal to them that someone is trying to hide information, which can prompt additional questioning or secondary screening.

The piece makes two practical points for Canadians to consider. First, these device checks are relatively uncommon: most people cross the border without incident. Second, travellers do have the right to refuse to unlock phones or hand over devices, but refusal can carry consequences — including denial of entry to the U.S. because border officers have authority to enforce immigration controls. The article stresses that staying calm and cooperative is usually the best approach when an officer asks questions; being evasive, including presenting a wiped phone, can escalate the situation.

For readers weighing options, the article’s guidance is clear: deliberately wiping your phone or relying on a bare “burner” is not a guaranteed protection and may increase scrutiny. If preserving privacy is a priority, consider non-destructive steps before travel such as reviewing and minimizing publicly visible social media content, logging out of apps, or using strong account passwords — and be prepared for the possibility that an officer could still request further access.

Read the full CP24 article here:

What are your rights as a Canadian if asked by a U.S. border agent to see your social media?