Jan 9, 2018

Searches of travelers' devices spiked last year

Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

U.S. Customs and Border Protection released new guidelines last week dictating how and when officials can search through travelers' electronic devices, according to Defense One. The directive replaces an Obama-era policy that gave wide authority to border officials.

Why it matters: CBP searched the devices of 30,200 travelers during the 2017 fiscal year, up nearly 60 percent from 2016. The Trump administration says strengthening border security remains a priority, but this new policy seeks to protect the rights of individuals from unreasonable search and seizure.

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